"It's very lackadaisical," McNeil said. "A lot of people I don't see taking the precautions seriously."
McNeil said his store has seen unprecedented sales of washers, dryers, deep freezers and refrigerators — which he considers "essential items" and the reason he believes he's allowed to stay open — and has felt heartened by the new role he sees his business providing during the crisis.
On Wednesday, McNeil's Rent One store posted a photo on its Facebook page advertising its stock of lawn mowers: "Yard season has started and Rent One is here to help you get started. This bad boy is parked out front of the store so feel free to take a look at it TODAY!"
Rick Henson, who owns a barber shop in West Frankfort, closed Tuesday after business slowed because of the coronavirus. He now hopes to reopen next week, after he began getting calls from customers, many of whom are older people, city officials and local police officers, saying he's a "needed commodity."
Jared Gravatt, co-owner of Crown Brew Coffee Company in Marion, said he understands the need for the stay-at-home order but thinks the differences between Chicago and the rest of the state are "night and day."
Gravatt said the county's businesses are reeling from the shutdown. He and his business partner are organizing a virtual fundraising event on Friday to raise money and awareness for struggling businesses while encouraging people to abide by the stay-at-home order.
Even Gravatt, who said he recognizes the importance of protecting against the coronavirus outbreak, acknowledges the appeal of secession.
COVID-19 has "killed more businesses than it has people in this region," he said.