Back in September of 2020 , a group of over 20 people hung out regardless of the social distancing rule.  

Although it is mandatory to follow the stay at home order, Cicero residents continue to go out even if it is not necessary to leave their home.

In a random survey of 50 Cicero residents, 59 percent of Cicero’s resident’s claim they are not doing their best of quarantine themselves during the pandemic and continue to participate in unnecessary outdoor activities. On March 20, 2020, the “stay at home order” in Illinois became effective. This order made it mandatory for residents to quarantine at home unless it is inevitable. Currently, Illinois is now on stage 4 of the pandemic however, the world remains in a pandemic. Residents should attempt their best to stay indoors but that is not the case for Cicero residents. According to The New York Times, since February, Covid-19 cases have had a decrease compared to today. “At least 25 new coronavirus deaths and 1,190 new cases were reported in Illinois on Feb. 28. Over the past week, there has been an average of 1,803 cases per day, a decrease of 20 percent from the average two weeks earlier,” The New York Times reporter said.

Perhaps the decrease in cases is distracting residents from the fact that the pandemic is not over.

“To be honest I feel like we’ve been quarantine for so long I gave up. I know were still in a pandemic and I continue to wear a mask and be cautious but since cases started to go down I hang out with my friends way more,” Cicero resident Jahayra Flores said.

Although majority of Cicero residents continue to spend time outdoors, some residents continue to quarantine.

“Covid has ruined a lot of plans I had but I have no choice but to take care of myself. I live with my grandparents and it seems unfair to me if I act as if everything was fine and continue to be in crowds of people and then come home to them. I plan to get the vaccine but since I don’t have it as of right now, I’ll continue to follow safety procedures,” Cicero resident Cesar Garcia said.

Some residents seem to have a strong feeling towards those who are not staying at home during these times.

“I don’t understand why people can’t just stay home in times like these. They aren’t only putting themselves at risk but everyone around them too. It sucks to see how carless people can be,” Cicero resident Yuliana Rodriguez said.

While others are just beginning to go out, and others are still staying home, some people have been out since the beginning of the pandemic.

“Once I found out about the pandemic I would still continue to go out even if some places were closed. I never been a homebody so staying in is complicated and boring for me. I’m even planning a vacation to Florida next month,” Chicago resident Carlos Avila said.