Chicago –
Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot today joined City and
State public health officials to announce a robust and coordinated effort to
prevent spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Earlier this month, Illinois became the first state to provide COVID-19 testing
in-state, allowing IDPH to produce results within 24 hours. Next week, the
administration will expand testing statewide, with new testing labs in the
central and southern regions to join the existing testing lab in Cook County.
Following the recommendation of the CDC, the state will also partner with
hospitals in every region to engage in voluntary testing, which will allow us
to diagnose new cases quickly and prevent any further community spread. Under
the plan, certain emergency departments will soon begin testing select patients
who present with influenza-like symptoms for COVID-19.
“Our top priority is keeping Illinoisans safe and we are using every tool and
resource at our disposal to prepare for this virus and contain any spread,” said Governor JB Pritzker.
“This is a coordinated effort with state, city and local entities working
together to put the full weight of our government behind this response.
Illinois has a leading public health system that was the first – and remains
one of just a few nationally – able to test for COVID-19 and we will continue
leading the way forward to protect our communities.”
To date, Illinois has had two confirmed cases of COVID-19 and both individuals
have made a full recovery. The immediate health risk to the state remains low.
While the latest available information suggests that person-to-person spread
will continue to occur and additional cases are likely to be identified in the
United States, most cases of COVID-19 cause a mild illness. In very rare cases
people infected with the virus have died. Additionally, to date, data shows
that children are less likely to become ill.
“For over a month, Chicago has been working daily to strengthen and refine our
response to this situation, contain the virus, and protect our residents from any
harm,” said Chicago
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. “While the chances of contracting
coronavirus remain extremely low, we will continue to closely monitor this
situation as it evolves, and take appropriate preventive and pre-cautionary
measures as needed in coordination with public health agencies, and our many
community and healthcare partners.”
“We continue to actively monitor the international and domestic situation
closely, plan ahead and strengthen and refine our local public health
response,” said Dr.
Ngozi Ezike, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health. “We’ve
undertaken these serious, but necessary measures while remaining in close
communication with our federal and local partners to ensure all systems in
place work efficiently and effectively.”
“Cook County Department of Public Health continues to work closely with IDPH,
CDPH and the CDC in our efforts and will use what resources we have to minimize
the risk of spread in our communities,” said
Dr. Terry Mason, COO of Cook County Department of Public Health.
“The collaboration between all the agencies is what resulted in the best
possible outcome for the two confirmed cases. This is classic public health at
work doing what we are trained and prepared to do.”
The city and state are experienced at responding to infections disease
outbreaks and continue to work in lockstep to put systems in place to respond
to this new virus. Current efforts include:
• Airport screening and monitoring health of travelers returning from China.
• Investigating confirmed cases of COVID-19
and monitoring friends and family who may have been exposed.
• Planning community measures that can help limit the spread of disease,
like having ill individuals stay home (including housing and transportation
needs).
• Providing regular guidance to hospitals and healthcare professionals,
including information on infection control, personal protective equipment (PPE)
supply planning, and clinical evaluation.
• Working to expand local laboratory testing for COVID-19.
• Developing and distributing guidance for childcare facilities, schools,
universities, businesses, community- and faith-based organizations, among many
others.
In addition to efforts by local health systems, there are important steps individuals and communities can take to help minimize the risk of COVID-19 spread:
• Practice everyday preventive actions such
as performing frequent hand hygiene, using hand sanitizer or soap and water
when visibly soiled; covering your cough and sneezes; avoiding ill people; and
staying home when sick (except to seek medical care). These simple actions can
prevent the spread of many illnesses, including COVID-19.
• Healthcare providers should continue to ask patients with fever and
respiratory symptoms about their travel history. Refer to CDC’s Guidance for
Healthcare Professionals for more information on screening and evaluating
Persons Under Investigation.
• Childcare facilities, K-12 schools and colleges/universities should
review their emergency operations plans, including strategies for social
distancing and online learning.
• Businesses and employers should actively encourage all employees to stay
home when sick, perform hand hygiene, and cover coughs and sneezes. Businesses
should review their emergency operations plan, including identification of
essential business functions, teleworking and flexible sick leave policies. For
more information see CDC’s Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers.
• Community- and faith-based organizations should review existing emergency
operations plans, including strategies for social distancing and modifying
large gatherings such as concerts and festivals.
Officials also warned against stigmatization toward specific populations and said knowing the facts about COVID-19 will help minimize stigma and misinformation.
This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available. More information can be found on the IDPH website, the CDPH website, and the CDC website and questions can be directed to the IDPH hotline, 1-800-889-3931.