“HENRY & STARK COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS ANNOUNCE DAILY POSITIVE COVID-19 CUMULATIVE CASES”
The Henry and Stark County Health Department today, Thursday, July 2nd announce a cumulative total of 95 confirmed cases of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Henry County and 3 confirmed cases in Stark County.
The Henry County Health Department has announced multiple confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Henry County. Public health officials are working actively to identify and investigate all individuals who were in contact with the cases. Federal privacy restrictions prohibit the release of further information regarding the investigations.
The Health Department notes with expected additional cases coming, residents need to assume that they have been exposed to COVID-19. For a reference of the most current status of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the State please visit the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Covid-19 webpage at
“Phase 4: Revitalization - A Public Health Approach to Safely Reopen Our State”
To prepare businesses and employers to implement new and updated safety guidelines in Phase 4, the State of Illinois has developed this business toolkit complete with signage, posters, and other resources to ensure business and activities are conducted in accordance with the latest public health recommendations.
Phase 4 guidelines include five new industry categories and updated recommendations for the existing categories from Phase 3. Each set of guidelines includes a common set of guidelines that are expected and encouraged among all employers and activity types, as well as workplace and program-specific guidelines.
“HENRY & STARK COUNTY RELEASES WEEKLY RECOVERY DATA ON CONFIRMED POSITIVE COVID-19 CASES”
The Henry County Health Department announces that Henry County currently has 82 confirmed positive Covid-19 cases and Stark County has 3 confirmed positive Covid-19 cases. The Department is now releasing its weekly “recovery data” on positive cases:
Henry County Cumulative Confirmed Positive Covid-19 Cases: *81
Symptomatic At Home: 12
Symptomatic Hospitalized: 0
Asymptomatic: 13
Symptoms Resolved: 53
Unknown Symptom Status: 2
Deaths: 1
*Based On Confirmed Positive Covid-19 Cases As Of 6-23-20
Stark County Cumulative Confirmed Positive Covid-19 Cases: 3
Asymptomatic: 2
Symptoms Resolved: 1
Deaths: 0
Duane Stevens, Public Health Administrator of the Henry and Stark County Health states, “We are releasing this information now that we have numbers sufficient to protect patient confidentiality; and an arc of time has passed which gives the data some factual perspective. The Health Department will be releasing this recovery information on confirmed positive cases in Henry and Stark Counties on a weekly basis.”
Stevens adds, “For those who may have questions on individuals with “unknown symptom status” we offer the following clarification: Individuals are not required to report their recovery status, answer our follow-up calls, or divulge their recovery. Our staff, however, continues to check-up on unknown status individuals.”
The Health Department is continuing to release information to urge local residents to remain cautious and vigilant when it comes to community mitigation efforts and remaining in compliance with the Restore Illinois Phase 3: Recovery Guidance: to “Stay-At-Home” when possible; go out for essential trips only; observe social distancing of at least 6 feet; wear a face covering when in public places; cover coughs and wash hands frequently.
The Henry County Health Department has announced multiple confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Henry County. Public health officials are working actively to identify and investigate all individuals who were in contact with the cases. Federal privacy restrictions prohibit the release of further information regarding the investigations.
The Health Department notes with expected additional cases coming, residents need to assume that they have been exposed to COVID-19. For a reference of the most current status of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the State please visit the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Covid-19 webpage at
ATTENTION: INDOOR/OUTDOOR RECREATION AREAS & FACILITIES! Here’s some great guidance from the RESTORE ILLINOIS - “Phase 4: Revitalization - A Public Health Approach to Safely Reopen Our State”
To prepare businesses and employers to implement new and updated safety guidelines in Phase 4, the State of Illinois has developed this business toolkit complete with signage, posters, and other resources to ensure business and activities are conducted in accordance with the latest public health recommendations.
Phase 4 guidelines include five new industry categories and updated recommendations for the existing categories from Phase 3. Each set of guidelines includes a common set of guidelines that are expected and encouraged among all employers and activity types, as well as workplace and program-specific guidelines.
"EVENT FOOD VENDORS MUST REGISTER WITH HEALTH DEPARTMENT"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments' Environmental Health Division notes that most local community calendars from the Memorial Day holiday to the Labor Day observance will feature many community events. Summertime is outdoor activity time. It's the season for community activities, festivals, and events, family reunions, backyard barbecues and other friendly get-togethers.
This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, please follow the Governor’s guidelines as each phase opens up. If you have any questions please call our office at (309) 852-0197 Extension 266. We highly recommend that at the bare minimum you adhere to the following guidelines:
• Single-vendor events ONLY (example: fish fry fundraiser, pancake breakfast, pork chop dinner).
• Only carryout, drive-thru, curbside or delivery is allowed for Temporary Food vendors operating out of a tent or non-permanent structure that is not equipped with floors, walls, ceiling, plumbing, electricity, etc.
• Outdoor seating may be allowed for Temporary Food Vendors operating out of a permanent structure, i.e., brick and mortar building equipped with floors, walls, ceiling, plumbing, electricity, etc., as long as the guidelines set forth in the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) document “Restaurants and Bars (outdoor dining and drinking guidelines)” are followed.
• No self-service area or pre-stocked tables (including condiments, napkins, beverages, silverware).
• Handwashing stations/sanitizers must be provided for customers.
• Encourage pre-ordering to help control crowds
• Social distancing guidelines must be followed, i.e., lines marked to indicate 6’ separation in the pickup/carryout/order lines. Table at least 6’ apart.
• Develop signs reminding people to maintain social distance, to be ready to order.
• When you are advertising online have your menu posted so that your customers can decide before they get to your booth.
• No groups larger than 6 per table, etc.
• Preorder where possible to speed up transaction process. If possible have menu displayed before they enter your tent/table.
• Employees must wear face covering if unable to maintain 6’ separation from each other or customers. Encourage facemasks be worn whilst waiting in line.
• Must have a plan of how employee health will be monitored and what practices will be put into place to prevent the spread of diseases during set, operation, and cleanup of the Temporary Food Event.
In addition pleased be informed that the Health Department would like to remind area residents that if you are preparing to serve food to the Public through an event that is serves food on less than two consecutive days (preparation counts as day 1); and/or no more than 12 intermittent days in any calendar year, you are required to register with the Health Department so that we can better assist you in the sanitation standards of food preparation. These completed registration forms must be submitted no later than five (5) calendar days with a fee before the event.
The staff of the Health Department urges everyone to practice good food handling habits before, during and after warm weather meals. Please remember to send your completed food registration forms if you are serving to the public. Help make summertime fun, delicious and safe. For more information on the Health Department's Food Program visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
The Henry & Stark County Health Department is honoring area individuals, businesses, organizations, and groups that are stepping up during the current COVID-19 pandemic community mitigation as “Public Health Heroes!”
Today we salute the Bishop Hill Bakery & Eatery. This small business has been cited for protecting its employees and patrons by its caring, conscientious, and creative practice and encouragement of Covid-19 community mitigation and prevention measures. The Henry and Stark County Health Department is pleased to cite the Bishop Hill Bakery & Eatery and its owners as Public Health Heroes!
SONGBIRD LANE ANTIQUES, CAMBRIDGE
The Henry & Stark County Health Department is honoring area individuals, businesses, organizations, and groups that are stepping up during the current COVID-19 pandemic community mitigation as “Public Health Heroes!”
Today we salute Songbird Lane Antiques of Cambridge. This small business has been cited for protecting its employees and patrons by its caring, conscientious, and creative practice and encouragement of Covid-19 community mitigation and prevention measures. The Henry and Stark County Health Department is pleased to cite Songbird Lane Antiques and its owners as Public Health Heroes!
SULLIVANS FOODS-KEWANEE:
The Henry & Stark County Health Department is honoring area individuals, businesses, organizations, and groups that are stepping up during the current COVID-19 pandemic community mitigation as “Public Health Heroes!”
Today we salute Sullivans Foods of Kewanee. The store has been cited for protecting its employees and customers by its consistent practice and encouragement of Covid-19 community mitigation and prevention measures. The Henry and Stark County Health Department is pleased to cite the Sullivans Foods Store of Kewanee and its employees as Public Health Heroes!
The Henry & Stark County Health Department is honoring area individuals, businesses, organizations, and groups that are stepping up during the current COVID-19 pandemic community mitigation as “Public Health Heroes!”
Today we salute the Kewanee Aldi. The store has been cited for protecting its employees and customers by its consistent practice and encouragement of Covid-19 community mitigation and prevention measures. The Henry and Stark County Health Department is pleased to cite the Kewanee Aldi and its employees as Public Health Heroes!
May 28, 2020
“HENRY COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND HENRY COUNTY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (OEM) OFFER GUIDANCE TO CHURCHES, FAITH-BASED COMMUNITIES, AND HOUSES OF WORSHIP”
RELEASE:
The Henry & Stark County Health Department and the Henry County OEM note many area churches, faith-based facilities and houses of worship have questions moving into Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois Plan.
In a joint statement Mat Schnepple, Director of the Henry County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and Duane Stevens, Public Health Administrator of the Henry and Stark County Health Departmentstate, “We call upon our local faith community leaders, city and county officials to set a good example to the residents of Henry and Stark County. We encourage all to continue to operate on the basis of science and continue to practice effective community mitigation of Covid-19."
The Henry & Stark County Health Department and the Henry County OEM encourage all Churches, Faith-based Facilities and Houses of Worship to follow the following guidelines as we enter Phase 3: Recovery in the Store Illinois Plan:
* Essential gatherings, such as religious services, of 10 or fewer allowed indoors. No limitations to the number of services; as long as they stay under the 10 person limitation on participants, clergy, and musicians. Wear face coverings in the presence of others and when social distances of 6ft are compromised.
* Drive-through services will be permitted, with no limitations to numbers participating, as long as
social distances of at least 6 ft. can be observed and enforced. Outdoor services can be held outdoors under sheltered structures as long as they are “open air” and do not have walls that constrict ventilation and air flow.
The Henry & Stark County Health Department and the Henry County OEM hope this guidance will help our local faith communities to practice and, in doing so, continue to protect the public’s health. When we work together there’s nothing we cannot achieve - like helping to keep the community safe and reduce the potential spread of the virus especially among those at most risk!”
ATTENTION: AREA OFFICES! Here’s some great guidance from the RESTORE ILLINOIS - “Phase 3 Guidelines For Reopening Businesses & Return People To Work Safety.”
To prepare businesses and employers to implement the new safety guidelines and to bring many residents back to work, the State of Illinois has developed this business toolkit complete with signage, training checklists, and other resources to ensure business and activities are conducted in accordance with the latest and greatest public health recommendations.
Here’s some great guidance to PERSONAL CARE SERVICE businesses from the RESTORE ILLINOIS - “Phase 3 Guidelines For Reopening Businesses & Return People To Work Safety.”
To prepare businesses and employers to implement the new safety guidelines and to bring many residents back to work, the State of Illinois has developed this business toolkit complete with signage, training checklists, and other resources to ensure business and activities are conducted in accordance with the latest and greatest public health recommendations.
ATTENTION: AREA RESTAURANTS & BARS! Here’s some great guidance from the RESTORE ILLINOIS - “Phase 3 Guidelines For Reopening Businesses & Return People To Work Safety.”
To prepare businesses and employers to implement the new safety guidelines and to bring many residents back to work, the State of Illinois has developed this business toolkit complete with signage, training checklists, and other resources to ensure business and activities are conducted in accordance with the latest and greatest public health recommendations.
We’ve received many inquiries about local Covid-19 testing. The Health Department does not offer Covid-19 testing; however, Hammond-Henry Hospital in Geneseo does offer testing. COVID Screening is now available to all individuals Call the hotline at 309-944-9198 to start the process. Insurance will be billed. Here’s the link to Hammond-Henry’s website: https://www.hammondhenry.com/
May 14, 2020
“HENRY COUNTY RELEASES ORION (61273) AS A 5+ CONFIRMED CASES OF COVID-19 ZIP CODE”
The Henry and Stark County Health Department and the Henry County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) are announcing an important health notice in the local Covid-19 response and surveillance activities. According to Duane Stevens, Public Health Administrator with the Henry and Stark County Health Department, “The Illinois Department of Public Health has been releasing zip codes of communities where they have 5 + confirmed cases of Covid-19. However, due to lags in IDPH posting and to better inform our local residents; while still observing patient privacy, we have and will continue to release that information in Henry and Stark Counties.”
Though, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) hasn’t released the zip code for Orion (61273) yet on its map of communities with 5+ Confirmed Positive Cases of Covid-19; the Henry County Health Department is citing Orion as a community that has reached that level. Orion joins the cities of Geneseo, Kewanee, Atkinson, and Colona which were released prior by the Health Department and by IDPH.
Stevens adds, “We implore all Henry and Stark County Mayors; County and Municipality Officials; County and Local Law Enforcement, County School Districts, and All Area Residents to join in the effort of promoting and encouraging vigorous social distancing practices and compliance.”
The Health Department notes with expected additional cases coming, residents need to assume that they have been exposed to COVID-19. For a reference of the most current status of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the County “Like Us” on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or “Follow Us” on Twitter. For State updates please visit the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Covid-19 webpage at
“HENRY & STARK COUNTY RELEASES RECOVERY DATA ON CONFIRMED POSITIVE COVID-19 CASES”
The Henry County Health Department announces that Henry County currently has 70 confirmed positive Covid-19 cases and Stark County has 3 confirmed positive Covid-19 cases. The Department is now releasing “recovery data” on those cases:
Henry County Cumulative Confirmed Positive Covid-19 Cases: 70
Symptomatic At Home: 15
Symptomatic Hospitalized: 1
Asymptomatic: 12
Symptoms Resolved: 39
Unknown Symptom Status: 3
Deaths: 0
Stark County Cumulative Confirmed Positive Covid-19 Cases: 3
Asymptomatic: 2
Symptoms Resolved: 1
Deaths: 0
Duane Stevens, Public Health Administrator of the Henry and Stark County Health states, “We are releasing this information now that we have numbers sufficient to protect patient confidentiality; and an arc of time has passed which gives the data some factual perspective. The Health Department will be releasing this recovery information on confirmed positive cases in Henry and Stark Counties on a weekly basis.”
Stevens adds, “For those who may have questions on individuals with “unknown symptom status” we offer the following clarification: Individuals are not required to report their recovery status, answer our follow-up calls, or divulge their recovery. Our staff, however, continues to check-up on unknown status individuals.”
The Health Department is continuing to release information to urge local residents to remain cautious and vigilant when it comes to community mitigation efforts and remaining in compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order to “Stay-At-Home,” go out for essential trips only, observe social distancing of at least 6 feet, wear a face covering when in public places, cover coughs and wash hands frequently.
The Henry County Health Department has announced multiple confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Henry County. Public health officials are working actively to identify and investigate all individuals who were in contact with the cases. Federal privacy restrictions prohibit the release of further information regarding the investigations.
The Health Department notes with expected additional cases coming, residents need to assume that they have been exposed to COVID-19. For a reference of the most current status of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the State please visit the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Covid-19 webpage at
The Henry & Stark County Health Department is honoring area individuals, businesses, organizations, and groups that are stepping up during the current COVID-19 community mitigation as “Public Health Heroes!”
Today we salute Catherine Christensen NP-C of Two Harbors Integrated Healthcare at Martin Engineering; and Ariel Chayer of Kewanee for donations of fabric face masks. These masks will be used by local public health staff and county health personnel on the front lines of our local response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department is pleased to cite Two Harbors Integrated Healthcare & Ariel Chayer as a Public Health Heroes!
Jeff Sonnenberg of Martin Engineering presents Duane Mathis, a Mission Support Member with the Henry County Office of Emergency Management, with a donation of 1000 surgical masks and 20 face shields. The Martin Engineering donation was to the Henry and Stark County Health Department and Henry County Office of Emergency Management. These masks will be used by local public health staff, first responders and county health personnel on the front lines of our local response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Henry and Stark County Health Department is pleased to cite Martin Engineering as a Public Health Hero!
FOR INFORMATION ON COVID 19 USE TRUSTED SOURCES!
For information about how you, your school, workplace, and community can prepare, please visit Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities. For general questions about COVID-19, call the hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.
Henry & Stark County Health Department is honoring area individuals, businesses, organizations, and groups that are stepping up during the current COVID-19 community mitigation as “Public Health Heros!”
Today we ask EVERYONE to be a Public Health Hero by for assisting in the fight to prevent the spread of COVID-19! When we work together there’s nothing we cannot achieve - like helping to keep the community safe and reduce the potential spread of the virus especially among those at high-risk!
"HEALTH DEPT OFFERS COVID-19 TESTING GUIDANCE - NOT EVERYONE SHOULD BE TESTED FOR COVID-19”"
The Henry and Stark County Health Department continues to track the rise and spread of communicable disease in our counties; and is working in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control to conduct measures and dispense information to mitigate community spread of COVID-19. With this in mind, the Health Department would like to note that not everyone should be tested for Covid-19. And we remind local residents that individuals will not be tested unless they meet current COVID-19 testing protocols that will be determined by their healthcare provider.
With so much misinformation out there about COVID-19 infections and testing – check out this great messaging and frequently asked questions and answers from the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Henry and Stark County Health Department:
I want to know more about COVID-19, who should I call?
For general questions about COVID-19, you can call the IDPH COVID-19 Hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email DPH.SICK@illinois.gov. Please note that the Hotline does not make decisions about who should be tested for COVID-19.
I am not feeling well and have respiratory symptoms, what should I do?
Please stay home for at least 7 days after you first became ill, or 72 hours after your fever has resolved and symptoms are improving, whichever is longer
You should consult with your health care provider if you have:
•Fever, cough, trouble breathing, or other flu-like symptoms that are not better or are worsening after 24-48 hours
•Mild symptoms and are pregnant or immunosuppressed or are an older adult with chronic health conditions
Please don’t call the health department about getting testing.
•Your health care provider will determine if you should be tested, and will call the health department if needed
•Health departments do not collect specimens for COVID-19
I think I need immediate medical attention, who should I call?
•If you need immediate medical attention, and you think you may have COVID-19, please call ahead to your health care provider before going in for care. This will allow them to take the right steps to protect themselves and other patients
•If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911; if you have been exposed to COVID-19, notify dispatch personnel so emergency medical services personnel can take steps to protect themselves
Again, the Health Department reminds area residents to use trusted sources for the latest information on Covid-19. For information about how you, your school, workplace, and community can prepare, please visit the CDC’s Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities and Steps to Stay Safe from COVID-19. For general questions about COVID-19, call the hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.
"HEALTH DEPT WIC SERVICES OFFER CURBSIDE DELIVERY FOR COMMUNITY MITIGATION OF THE SPREAD OF COVID-19"
Henry and Stark County Health Department WIC Nurse, Brittany Harding, RN conducts curbside delivery of WIC Food Coupons to a local family program participant. Curbside Pick Up allows families to receive WIC food instruments without stepping into the clinic. This is just one of the ways the Health Department is participating in community mitigation measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This service is conducted on a case-by- case basis and limits face-to-face encounters between Health Department staff and the public; thereby complying with social distancing recommendations.
NOT EVERYONE SHOULD BE TESTED FOR COVID-19. And you will not be tested unless you meet current COVID-19 testing protocols that will be determined by your healthcare provider. With so much misinformation out there about COVID-19 infections and testing – check out this great messaging from the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Henry & Stark County Health Department is honoring area individuals, businesses, organizations, and groups that are stepping up during the current COVID-19 community mitigation as “Public Health Heros!”
Today we honor Anderson Family Coffee, Galva for assisting in the fight to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by resourceful and creative business practices. We appreciate your conscious efforts in helping to keep the community safe and reduce the potential spread of the virus!
Please support and patronize all our wonderful local businesses and public health heros!
With all the COVID-19 stuff out there, are you confused? Well let's keep it simple - it's all about preventing the spread of germs. Here's a great "How To" from the CDC! English & Spanish Versions:) Stay Strong. Stay Informed. Stay Healthy. Share the Facts!
The Henry & Stark County Health Department is honoring area individuals, businesses, organizations, and groups that are stepping up during the current COVID-19 community mitigation as “Public Health Heros!”
Today we honor Beck’s South, Kewanee for assisting in the fight to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by temporarily not allowing outside soda and coffee containers to be refilled. We appreciate your conscious efforts in helping to keep the community safe and reduce the potential spread of the virus!
If you see any local businesses or individuals going that extra mile to protect our local residents message us!
THE HENRY AND STARK COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS ARE NOT SHUTTING DOWN!
We are however, limiting appointment needs at this time to strictly acute ill visits. For more information call our Kewanee Clinic (309) 852-5272 or our Colona Clinic (309) 792-4011.
ATTENTION: ALL FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS!
Please note, the Henry and Stark County Health Department will pull your food permit if you choose to not follow the Governor’s Executive Order that all bars and restaurants in the state of Illinois will be closed to the public, beginning at 11:59pm this evening, Monday, March 16th through Monday, March 30th.
Gov. Pritzker Announces Bars and Restaurants Will Close to Public by End of Monday
Next Week, State Agencies to Temporarily Reduce Workforce While Maintaining Core Functions and Essential Operations Sunday, March 15, 2020 - Governor, Office of the Chicago — As the state continues to take aggressive action to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, Governor JB Pritzker announced that all bars and restaurants in the state of Illinois will be closed to the public, beginning at close of business Monday, March 16th through Monday, March 30th.
"This is another hard step to take. I know how difficult this will be on small businesses around the state. But we must do everything we can to safeguard the health of the citizens of Illinois, and that requires this urgent action," said Governor JB Pritzker. "The time for persuasion and public appeals is over — the time for action is here. This is not a joke. No one is immune to this, and you have an obligation to act in the best interests of all the people of this state."
"This is a make or break moment. Clear and bold actions are needed immediately to stop the spread of COVID-19 and strengthen public health in Chicago and across the state," said Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. "In the days and weeks ahead, we will continue to keep our residents and businesses apprised of developing information, ensuring they understand the measures we are taking and are following the latest guidance by public health officials. The City of Chicago is working to safeguard the health of our communities at every level of our operations. We are resilient, and we are all in this together."
The state is working closely with restaurant owners and food delivery services to ensure kitchens can safely remain open to continue food delivery and put in place drive-thru and curbside pickup options for restaurants to continue to serve the public.
"Public safety is the No. 1 concern of the Illinois Restaurant Association," said Sam Toia, president of the Illinois Restaurant Association. "First and foremost, we want to protect the health of our customers and team members. We remain vigilant in helping employers to navigate the immediate challenges that come with this rapidly changing situation. I want to thank Governor Pritzker and his team, and Mayor Lightfoot and her team, for leading us."
ACTIONS TO PROTECT STATE WORKFORCE
Gov. Pritzker also announced that he has directed state agencies to implement plans for a temporary reduction of government functions and workforce while maintaining core functions and essential operations.
Select employees will continue to report to work; while the remaining workforce will either work remotely or be asked to remain home on call while receiving pay. All state employees will continue to be paid during this period.
Over the next several days, the Pritzker administration will finalize these plans and update state employees and the public. The Office of the Governor will remain fully operational throughout this period.
SOCIAL DISTANCING REMAINS CRUCIAL
Social distancing is the paramount strategy for minimizing the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, and the Governor is committed to using every tool at his disposal to protect public health.
Those experiencing symptoms should call a health care provider who will help arrange medical treatment without putting others at risk of exposure.
The Illinois Department of Public Health has a statewide COVID-19 hotline and website to answer any questions from the public or to report a suspected case: call 1-800-889-3931 or visit IDPH.illinois.gov.
A News Release From the Office of the Governor JB Pritzker
Gov. Pritzker Announces Two-Week Statewide School Closure to Minimize COVID-19 Spread, Additional Economic Measures to Reduce Burden on Illinois Families
Chicago — Building on state guidance issued yesterday to promote social distancing and minimize the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, Governor JB Pritzker announced that the state of Illinois will close all schools from March 17 through March 30 and implement additional economic measures to reduce the burden on Illinois families. As of now, day care centers will remain open and will follow strict health and safety guidance.
“All of these choices have cascading effects for citizens and vulnerable populations when it comes to food access, safety, childcare, and social services," said Governor JB Pritzker. “We’ve seen what happens in places that didn’t move with urgency. I ask all of you not to hesitate to do the right thing for your family, your friends, and your community. One small step at a time, we will get through this together.”
“We have seen evidence from influenza outbreaks that community mitigation strategies, such a school closures, have an effect on decreasing the severity of the outbreak,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “By taking these actions now, we hope to slow and limit widespread transmission of this virus, which is essential to ensuring our health care system is not overwhelmed as the disease progresses through our state. School closures will help slow the progression of the virus and we are asking for everyone’s help in reducing the spread.”
“This is an unprecedented event in our lifetime, and we will get through this together,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carmen I. Ayala. “Our administrators and educators have shown extraordinary leadership during a time of very difficult decisions. Schools closing will affect each community differently, and I want our teachers, our students, and our families to know that the Illinois State Board of Education is open and is here to help.”
SCHOOL CLOSURES
Following extensive state-level analysis of coronavirus spread in various countries and the social distancing measures that were put in place, the State is taking the precautionary measure of closing all K-12 schools in the state of Illinois from March 17 through March 30. Schools with a spring break that falls outside of this window should move their spring break to within this timeframe.
The Pritzker administration is working to ensure critical support functions remain available to students across the state – including their access to food, child care and safe environments.
Gov. Pritzker has assured school administrators that the state will issue no penalties as a result of this closure. To provide support to school districts across the state, the Illinois State Board of Education will be fully staffed over the coming weekend and during the closure period to work through individualized issues and challenges in each district. An executive order to provide school districts flexibility during this period is forthcoming.
On Thursday, the Illinois State Board of Education was granted a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to continue providing meals to students in non-group settings. Students receiving free and reduce priced breakfasts and lunches will be able to receive grab-and-go meals each day, with some districts having the ability to deliver and others offering parent pick up.
The Department of Children and Family Services is working closely with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the Illinois Department of Public Health to ensure emergency and preparedness plans are in place to keep youth in care and staff safe. All DCFS group homes will remain open and take extra safety precautions.
ECONOMIC MEASURES
The Governor has also announced new economic measures to reduce the burden on Illinois families.
Gov. Pritzker and Attorney General Raoul have urged the Illinois Commerce Commission to immediately institute a moratorium on shutoffs for all utility companies across Illinois – including energy, telecommunications and water – until the state disaster proclamation has been lifted. The administration is also requesting changes to payment and collection policies to ensure Illinoisans aren’t saddled with utility debt as a result of COVID-19.
The Governor is contacting the leaders of Illinois’ utility companies and urging them to maintain services for all Illinoisans, regardless of their ability to pay, during this public health crisis.
The Pritzker administration is working directly with the eight major food banks across Illinois to expand services. The administration is reaching out to food manufacturers to ensure food banks are prioritized and can provide our vulnerable residents the food they need.
Earlier this week, the administration filed emergency rules granting workers who are unemployed due to COVID-19 access to unemployment benefits. The rules provide relief to people who may be restricted in the type of work they can perform due to the outbreak.
AVAILABILITY OF TESTING
The Illinois Department of Public Health is working with state labs and hospital partners to significantly increase testing capability. At this time the administration believes testing can be sufficiently increased to ensure the minimum level of surveillance testing needed to appropriately monitor the spread of the virus.
Gov. Pritzker is continuing to pressure the federal government for more tests to allow the state to deploy full surveillance testing.
HEIGHTENED VIGILANCE FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC
Vulnerable populations remain a top priority as community spread continues around the state, country and globe. Elderly and immunocompromised residents should take extra caution when attending gatherings of any size and avoid exposure to large groups of people whenever possible. The state has implemented new staffing procedures and strict guidelines restricting visitors at state-operated long-term care facilities and is also working closely with private nursing home and assisted living associations on the adoption of similar guidelines.
Anyone experiencing symptoms should stay home, call their doctor and plan a safe visit for examination. The general public is encouraged to take social distancing practices, including avoiding events of more than 250 people, working from home if possible and maintaining social distance (6 feet) from anyone experiencing symptoms.
The Illinois Department of Public Health has a statewide COVID-19 hotline and website to answer any questions from the public or to report a suspected case: call 1-800-889-3931 or visit IDPH.illinois.gov.
"HEALTH DEPT OFFERS COVID-19 & LOCAL FLU ACTIVITY REPORT"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments note, that many local residents may have concerns and questions about Covid-19. The Health Department offers the following news releases issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Currently the Covid-19 virus has not been found to be spreading widely in the US, and risk to the general public remains low. If anyone feels they may have been exposed to the virus based on risk due to travel or close contact to a confirmed case please seek medical attention. However please call ahead to the ER or Health Care Provider before seeking testing and possible treatment for special instructions to mitigate potential further spread of the virus.
The Health Department encourages individuals wanting updates on Covid-19 prevention and response please go to trusted sources of information like the Centers For Disease Control (CDC); the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH); and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Though the risk for Covid-19 exposure is currently low; cases of influenza A and B have been seen locally and regionally. Therefore, the Health Department is reminding local residents they still have flu vaccine available (while supplies last) for children and adults wanting this year's flu shot. Call the Health Department for eligibility and costs at (309) 852-5272 Kewanee or (309) 792-4011 Colona.
In addition, the Health Department reminds individuals to be diligent in practicing the 3 C’s of flu prevention: Clean hands frequently, Cover your nose and mouth when coughing, and Contain spread of the flu virus by staying home when you are ill. These practices should be applied in regards to stopping the spread of Covid-19 as well.
If you are experiencing an upper respiratory illness; sore throat, or other acute illness the Health Department offers visits with a Nurse Practitioner at our Kewanee and Colona Clinics if you should feel the need.
The Health Department encourages persons aged 65 and over; health care workers; individuals with chronic health problems such as diabetes, heart disease or kidney disease, and children younger than 2 to get a flu shot. Flu vaccine is the best prevention against influenza and its severe complications, including pneumonia, hospitalization, and death. Seasonal flu is responsible for severe illness and death every year, but who is most affected each season can vary depending on the predominant circulating virus.
Yearly vaccination has been found to be effective in preventing the flu. In addition, persons who later developed the flu found that flu vaccination may well have reduced the severity of the disease and protected them against flu related illnesses.
The Health Department cites the following flu facts:
* Each year the flu causes 114,000 people in the US to be hospitalized.
* On average 36,000 people die each year because of the flu.
* Children younger than 2 are as likely as those over 65 to go to the hospital because of the flu.
For more information on call the Department at (309) 852-5272 (Main Office) or 792-4011 (Colona) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com, find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us Twitter.
Henry/Stark County Health Department 110 N. Burr Blvd. Kewanee, IL61443 309-852-0197
Fax: 309-852-0595
Colona Office 103 1st St. Colona, IL61241 309-792-4011
