information provided by the Office of the Governor
CHICAGO, Ill. (March 9, 2020) – To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, public health officials urge the general public to take the same precautions as during flu season—with renewed vigilance:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Cover your cough or sneeze
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Clean often-touched surfaces frequently
- Maintain social distance (3 feet) between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing
- Avoid visiting long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, especially if you’re sick
- Stay home if you do not feel well
- Plan a safe visit to the doctor if you experience any symptoms
Vulnerable populations—including people 60 years and older or those with certain health conditions like heart disease, lung disease, and weakened immune systems—are recommended to avoid large gatherings.
The Illinois Department of Public Health has a statewide COVID-19 hotline and website to answer any questions from the public or to report a suspected case: call 1-800-889-3931 or visit IDPH.illinois.gov.
Gov. JB Pritzker issued a disaster proclamation today to build on Illinois’ COVID-19 response and unlock additional federal resources to help the state prepare for the potential of further spread. Issuing a disaster proclamation is the method of declaring a state of emergency in the state of Illinois. Thirteen states across the United States have entered into a state of emergency.
