Illinois State Senate District 37 issued the following announcement on March 6.
Illinois lawmakers received an update March 5 on the status of the coronavirus (COVID-19) from state Public Health officials who are encouraging the public to help prevent the spread of the virus.
In other action, residents across Illinois will soon begin receiving invitations to fill out the 2020 census forms. This once-every-10-years count of our nation’s population provides critical data that is used to provide resources to communities and determine the number of seats each state will have in Congress.
And March is Severe Weather Preparedness Month.
Officials encourage public to help prevent spread of COVID-19
The Illinois Department of Public Health briefed lawmakers on COVID-19 on March 5, providing an update about what the department is doing to monitor the situation in Illinois.
So far, five patients in Illinois have tested positive for COVID-19. The Illinois Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Cook County Health Department are proactively reaching out to anyone who may have had contact with these individuals to test for the virus.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Currently, the virus has not been found to be spreading widely in the U.S., and the risk to the general public remains low. Residents are encouraged not to alter their daily routines.
However, public health officials are encouraging the public to remain vigilant about keeping germs from spreading. The CDC has some useful tips to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Census starting soon
Residents will receive an invitation to respond online to the 2020 census between March 12 and 20. It is important to remember what the census is, and why it is essential.
Mandated by the United States Constitution, the census is a count of the United States population that takes place every ten years.
The 2020 Census will be the 24th census conducted since 1790. Billions of dollars in federal funding goes to schools, hospitals, roads, public safety, and other vital programs each year. Not only is participating in the census required by law, but a complete count is important to ensuring your community has funding for these resources.
March is Severe Weather Preparedness Month
With spring just round the corner, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is highlighting the importance of being properly prepared for severe weather during Severe Weather Preparedness Month.
In partnership with the National Weather Service, IEMA is underscoring the importance of having more than one way to receive emergency alerts and notifications. Illinois residents are encouraged to have a radio that can be programmed to receive alerts for specified counties, like a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration All Hazards Weather Radio with a battery backup. If an alert is issued for your area, the radio will sound the alarm and provide critical safety information.
Another resource is a free app offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency that provides notifications and updated information about severe weather when you’re on the go. The app can also help you locate resources near you in the event of an emergency.
Original source can be found here.
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