As measures continue to prevent the spread of COVID-19, I want to reiterate that the most important thing any of us can do right now is to practice proper social distancing and avoid unnecessary trips out of our homes that could unintentionally lead to further spread of the virus. The sooner we can get the spread under control, the sooner we can all get back to our normal lives. To do that, we all must be diligent in our efforts to slow the spread. Also, as I mentioned in my previous newsletter, I updated the “COVID-19” resources tab on my website to take you to ilcovid19info.com. This website is a comprehensive source for critical information to stay up to date that I hope you will utilize.
The website features:
- Rolling news updates;
- News from the Governor;
- Department of Public Health resources;
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention resources;
- Unemployment benefits resources from the Department of Employment Security;
- Support for small businesses through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Small Business Administration;
- Resources from the State Board of Education;
- Ways we can safely help neighbors in need.
Below are some other important updates I want to highlight.
What to do if you feel sick.
From the Illinois Hospital Association: Every Illinoisan plays a role in ensuring our health care system remains fully operational to treat patients in need of urgent care. If you are experiencing symptoms of any illness, including COVID-19, the first thing you should do is call a health care provider, like your primary care physician or a health clinic. But please, do not walk directly into an emergency room or a doctor’s office. Read More Here.
Task force created to obtain PPE for Illinois.
The state has teamed up with the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) and Illinois Biotechnology Innovation Organization (iBio) to form the Essential Equipment task force. The task force will work with Illinois businesses to ramp up in-state productions of essential equipment, supplies, food and medicine needed to keep Illinois safe. These items include N95 masks, gloves, gowns, ventilators and sanitizer. Read More Here.
Daycare closures and providing childcare for essential workers.
The Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development, along with many agency partners, has developed a webpage with resources to help address child care needs under the Governor’s Stay at Home order. This website will be regularly updated as more resources become available. In addition, a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document has been created to provide additional clarity, especially for daycare providers. Read More Here.
Emergency assistance programs available for small businesses.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has instituted three new programs to help small businesses during the response to COVID-19. The programs are aimed at helping businesses meet important needs like payroll and rent, as well as support shifts in operations that may take place right now. Read More Here.
Illinois income tax filing deadline extended to July 15.
The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is following the federal government in providing special tax filing and payment relief to individuals and businesses in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The filing deadline for Illinois income tax returns has been extended from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020. Read More Here.
Telemedicine services available.
Many Illinois health care institutions are expanding their telemedicine services to meet patient needs while it is recommended that Illinoisans stay home as much as possible. Telemedicine allows patients to get in touch with their health care provider over the phone or via video chat to discuss their symptoms and get medical advice without having to leave home. It is a good way to meet a community’s medical needs without having to compromise your social distancing efforts. Read More Here.
CDC & Microsoft create coronavirus self-checker.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Microsoft have created an online self-assessment tool to help people experiencing mild symptoms determine if their illness might be COVID-19. The purpose of the Coronavirus Self-Checker is to help people make decisions about seeking appropriate medical care. This system is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of disease or other conditions, including COVID-19. Read More Here.
Thank you for taking the time to read my e-newsletter. It is a high honor for me to represent you, and if you have any questions or concerns about anything you read, please feel free to contact me.