Illinois COVID Update

March 27, 2020

At today’s press briefing, the Illinois Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) announced 488 new COVID-19 cases, for a total of 3,026 cases in 40 counties statewide. Eight new deaths were reported for a total of 34 deaths.  

The Governor and IDPH Director Ngozi Ezike, M.D. asked nurses, doctors, pharmacists, therapists, public health professionals, and other community members to register for the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). The MRC is a network of medical and non-medical professionals who volunteer their time to assist during public health emergencies such as the current COVID-19 outbreak. Register at illinoishelps.net.

IDPH has issued guidance for extended use of N95 masks, regular masks and powered, air-purifying respirators.

A memo from IDPH to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems and directors says that because of the national and state disaster declarations, hospitals will not be granted bypass during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospitals are expected to receive patients unless a facility is experiencing an internal disaster (e.g. flooding, no heat or electricity, etc.).

IHA has been receiving requests from Illinoisans asking where to donate personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies. Chicagoans looking to donate PPE items are asked to complete a Chicago Dept. of Public Health’s (CDPH’s) Google document. City residents who want to donate other goods or services can complete a donation form here. Suppliers and manufacturers looking to sell products to the city can complete a Google document. Other city of Chicago resources are available here. Those outside Chicago who are interested in donating PPE items are directed to IDPH’s email: PPE.donations@illinois.gov.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and CDPH Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D. are seeking to hire healthcare workers immediately to help Chicago with its COVID-19 response efforts. Medical assistants and nurses are needed for temporary positions. Contact Shelly Johnson at Sunbelt Staffing or call 813-261-2706 for more information.

Healthcare Associates Credit Union (HACU) has created a webpage, “Coronavirus and Your Financial Health,” to provide answers, tips and advice for staying financially well during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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