Du Quoin approaches Phase 4 with some caution

Both Du Quoin businesses and customers appear to be exercising caution now that Illinois has entered Phase 4 in the state's five-phase COVID-19 recovery program.

Not every restaurant threw its doors open Friday even though they were free to seat as many diners inside as constituted 25% of their capacity.

And on Monday, the lunch crowds haven't returned, exactly. Still, some people ventured out Monday to eat. Because of the social distance mandate, places like Kalin's Cafe didn't even go for 25%; instead Kalin's had three available tables inside the well-known storefront.

Other eateries stuck with their drive-thrus for the lunch rush, like McDonald's, Hardee's, Taco Bell and Dairy Queen.

And Alongi's did carryout only during lunch, although they are open for dinner.