Illinois State House District 17 issued the following announcement on March 13.
In an effort to encourage all residents to safeguard their health by practicing social distancing during the COVID-19 outbreak, state Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, D-Glenview, announced the closure of her Glenview office to the public effective Mon., March 16th. Her office staff will continue to monitor phones, provide information and services for residents during normal business hours.
“We are in the early stages of the outbreak of novel coronavirus in Illinois. We are asking residents to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their neighbors,” Gong-Gershowitz said. “The goal of extraordinary measures like school closures and cancellations of large public gatherings is to slow the spread of the virus so that our medical professionals can maintain the capacity to treat those in need of care.”
“As always, my staff and I will be checking email and social media accounts regularly as we continue to do our best to provide services and support to everyone during this public health emergency. I also want to encourage everyone to stay informed and heed the recommendations of medical professionals and the CDC. It is critical that everyone stay calm during this time and recognize that protecting our neighbors who are elderly and immunocompromised is of utmost importance. This is best done by slowing the spread of the virus through washing hands and social distancing.
As has been previously noted by Gov. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health, we are urging every member of our community to take steps to protect themselves from the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.
These steps include:
● Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
● Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
● Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
● Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles) using a regular household detergent and water.
● If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent and water prior to disinfection. For disinfection, a list of products with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved emerging viral pathogens claims, maintained by the American Chemistry Council Center for Biocide Chemistries (CBC), is available at Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fighting Products. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products.
● Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
Additionally, individuals who are at a higher risk from this virus, and anyone who may come in contact with a high risk individual, should consider taking additional safety precautions. Anyone who is over the age of 60, who has a history of heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or an immune system-related condition, should consider themselves especially vulnerable and should take these additional precautions:
● Stock up on prescription drugs or other necessary medications.
● Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others, including practicing social distancing.
● When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
● Avoid crowds as much as possible.
● Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
● During a COVID-19 outbreak, stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.
Finally, any Illinoisians who believe they may have symptoms of the coronavirus may call the state’s COVID-19 hotline (1-800-889-3931) or email dph.sick@illinois.gov. IDPH also has a webpage of frequently asked questions and is continuing to update their information about the coronavirus daily.
“Any residents with questions they would typically contact my office about may continue to do so by phone, email or social media,” Gong-Gershowitz said. “If you have medical questions concerning the outbreak, it is best you contact professionals through the Illinois Department of Public Health or the COVID-19 hotline.”
Original source can be found here.
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