Illinois State House District 106 issued the following announcement on April 3.
Coronavirus has now reached all five counties of the 106th district, as the Department of Public Health confirmed a positive test for the illness in Vermilion County. The county health department is now reporting four cases. Yesterday’s update from IDPH reported 715 new cases in Illinois, for a total of 7695. There have now been 157 deaths in Illinois, and the illness has been detected in 61 different counties statewide.
Get the latest update from IDPH here.
All in Illinois
State leaders are asking Illinoisans to share their stories about how they are filling the hours staying at home, while encouraging others to do the same. The “All In Illinois” campaign has videos from celebrities and everyday Illinoisans talking about what they are doing while heeding the advice to stay at home during the outbreak.
New Executive Order for Illinois hospitals
The Governor’s latest Executive Order calls for postponement of all elective procedures at Illinois hospitals. It also directs hospitals to, “increase the number of beds, preserve PPE, and take necessary steps to treat COVID-19 patients. For health care professionals and volunteers, this means providing services in response to COVID-19 or working under IEMA or IDPH’s direction.”
DHS expanding services for domestic violence survivors during coronavirus outbreak
The Department of Human Services (DHS) is working to connect domestic violence survivors with emergency shelters during the coronavirus outbreak. DHS is making its Helpline, 1-888-863-6338, into “a one-stop access point for shelter needs.” Persons calling that line can be connected with a local shelter either through an existing shelter service or through the emergency shelter program that includes space in available hotels. DHS has been working to help local shelters with the emergency funds needed during the outbreak.
Read the full statement from DHS here.
Division of Rehabilitation Services announces new toll-free number
The Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) assists those with disabilities in living independently, through such services assistive technology, occupational rehabilitation and in-home services. But because so many state offices have been closed, the agency has set up a new toll-free number for Illinoisans to use during the coronavirus outbreak. Call 1-877-581-3690 or visit the DRS website for assistance.
Information about aid to local businesses
Small Business Administration COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
Paycheck Protection Program (loans for small businesses to meet payroll)
SBA Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources
Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund
Downstate Small Business Stabilization Fund
More news from around the state
The University of Illinois has announced that, “we have made the decision that all summer 2020 course will be conducted remotely via alternative delivery mechanisms.” Information about dates and deadlines from the university registrar can be found here.
Secretary of State offices closed through April 30, online services remain available
Severe weather sheltering guidance during coronavirus outbreak
For continually updated news from state agencies, visit: coronavirus.illinois.gov or my website at repbennett.com and click on COVID-19 Info. Persons with coronavirus questions or concerns should call the statewide toll-free coronavirus hotline at 1-800-889-3931. You can also submit questions via e-mail at dph.sick@illinois.gov. The call volume on these lines has been high recently, so please be patient as the Department of Public Health works to answer your call.
My district offices remain closed to in-person visits, but are still accessible by phone at (815) 432-0106 (Watseka) and (815) 844-9179 (Pontiac).
Original source can be found here.
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