Illinois COVID-19 Update

March 23, 2020

At today’s press briefing, the Illinois Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) announced 236 new COVID-19 cases, for a total of 1,285 cases in 31 counties statewide. Three new deaths were reported for a total of 12 deaths.

The Governor, his staff, the Office of Early Childhood Development (OECD), the Illinois Dept. of Human Services (IDHS) and the Illinois Dept. of Children and Family Services (IDCFS) have established an emergency licensing process for hospitals to set up their own childcare centers.  Completed applications should be submitted to IDCFS at Emergency.Daycare@illinois.gov.

In addition, IHA is working closely with the Governor and IDPH as they coordinate the state’s preparations for and response to the COVID-19 crisis. They are seeking information about the potential demand for and use of childcare services for healthcare workers. Please complete a brief survey by 5 p.m. on Wed., March 25.

In its latest health alert, the Chicago Dept. of Public Health provides guidance to city hospitals about disposition of COVID-19 persons under investigation and confirmed cases who are unstably housed or returning to homeless shelters and other high-risk settings. The alert also provides resources available to discharge planners.

Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and Sittercity, an online resource for in-home care, announced a new initiative to help Chicago’s most essential workforce – healthcare workers, first responders and the teams who support them – continue to work on behalf of the City amid COVID-19.  A new, dedicated website – sittercity.com/chicagoresponds – will make it easier for workers deemed an essential part of the infrastructure to find reliable childcare that will allow them to continue their crucial work. The Chicago Mayor’s Office asks that all Chicago hospitals make their employees and contractual employees aware of this service.

See IHA’s COVID-19 webpage for a variety of resources in a central location.