Ardis: Important To Stay Calm Amid Coronavirus Fears

Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis is urging the public to remain level-headed amidst fears over COVID-19.
 
"Calm is contagious. And it's important for people to know that, just like other situations, if you're calm and you present a calm demeanor when you're in a situation, it is contagious. And it has a really good effect on others to be calm, as well," he said.
 
Ardis also said citizens should take the coronavirus and the recommended precautions to avoid spreading it seriously.
 
"There may be a few more restrictions put on. We don't know that. We're going to be prepared for that if that happens," he said. "But at most that we can stay focused, and continue to follow these safety measures that everybody is aware of now. Please do them. Don't just say that's getting old, we don't need to do it anymore. Be vigilant and encourage others to do that."
 
The mayor said he would consider a shelter-in-place order if things get bad enough, but he hopes it doesn't come to that. He said calls he's participated in with other mayors across the country lead him to believe the Peoria area is better prepared for the pandemic than most.