Champaign, Ill.— All daily media briefings are provided under the leadership of the Champaign County Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
We are announcing five new cases today; Champaign County has a cumulative total of 114 cases. There have been a total of six COVID-related deaths. These numbers are accurate as of the release time.
For information on demographics, please visit the Champaign-Urbana Public Health website at: https://www.c- uphd.org/champaign-urbana-illinois-coronavirus-information.html
Today is the Mask Drive – Please stop by to donate.
WCIA 3 News is partnering with the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD), United Way, and the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation for the collection of homemade sewn cloth face masks. Distribution of donated masks will be limited to essential businesses and their employees in Champaign County.
DATE: Tuesday, April 28th TIME: Until 7pm
LOCATION: WCIA Backlot (Drive through. Drop off. Do not get out of your vehicle.)
Full details can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/events/227965001753140/
Mask guidance – Effective May 1, 2020, any individual over age 2 and able to medically tolerate a face covering or mask will be required to wear one in a public place where a six-foot social distance cannot be maintained at all times.
Medical grade masks should be reserved for healthcare or first responders. Examples include:
For essential work
For grocery shopping
For pharmacy or restaurant pickup
Other travel deemed essential by the stay-at-home order
“Wearing a mask is one additional layer of protection to help spread germs right now. The best defense remains washing your hands and limiting your travel to essential needs like gas, groceries and immediate healthcare needs,” said Sally Salmons, MD, associate chief medical officer, Primary Care, Medical Specialties, Women’s and Children’s Services, Behavioral Health and Regional Health. “A surgical or fabric mask doesn’t prevent COVID or other viruses from getting into your body but it does guard against you unknowingly spreading germs you have to others. This is especially important as
people may be carrying this virus and others without showing symptoms today.”
CDC’s guidance on how to make a face mask:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
Additional resources and information
Parkland College – In March, Parkland College shifted to online instruction but is currently experiencing some extended network interruption in it online course delivery. Students are advised to focus on coursework you are able to complete outside of internet systems, and faculty will be in touch with you as soon as possible. Your faculty understand that you are unable to access much of your coursework and will make adjustments as needed. You can click here for more information.
211 – This is a service provided by the United Way with trained specialists to match people to the right service agency based on your individual needs. For access, dial 211 or visit the Champaign County 211 website at uwayhelps.org/211.
Champaign County COVID-19 Resource Site – During this challenging time, the community is coming together to provide solutions. A county website has been created to provide information, updates and needed resources that provide support. This information can be found at: champaigncountycovid19.org
The COVID-19 website will be updated as new information is received.
Community transmission
We have community transmission, meaning the virus is circulating among the local community and infecting people who are not sure how or where they were infected, we all should consider ourselves at risk for exposure to COVID-19. That means that everyone should stay home as much as possible and self-monitor for symptoms. Self-monitoring means checking yourself daily for fever, cough, shortness of breath or a sore throat.
COVID-19 Patient Resources Carle (217) 902-6100
Carle remains open to meet essential Primary and Specialty Care needs. Examples of essential appointments include high blood pressure, ear infection and minor cuts and fractures. Patients should call the COVID-19 Hotline at (217) 902-6100 to be assessed and directed to the appropriate location for care. Your provider may address many health needs by phone or virtual visits in accordance with social distancing best practice. All Carle Emergency Departments remain open for people needing immediate care for life-threatening emergencies.
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (217) 239-7877
Effective April 23, 2020, the Illinois Department of Public Health issued updated COVID-19 testing guidance. As testing capacity expands, testing is now available for people who:
Have COVID-19 symptoms (cough, shortness of breath and fever) OR
Have a risk factor, such as
Contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19
A compromised immune system or a serious chronic medical condition Testing is also available for those with or without symptoms who:
Work in a healthcare facility (including nursing homes and long-term care facilities)
Work in correctional facilities, such as jails or prisons
Serve as first responders, such as paramedics, EMTs, police officers, and firefighters
Support critical infrastructure, such as workers in grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, gas stations, public works, factories, childcare, and sanitation
If you meet these criteria and would like testing, please call CUPHD and they will facilitate testing. (217) 239-7877
CUPHD’s COVID hotline is available seven days a week between the hours of 8am-7pm. If you do not reach a person, leave a voicemail that includes your name and phone number with a brief message.
Email coronavirus@c-uphd.org
Updated information available at c-uphd.org.
Follow Champaign-Urbana Public Health District on Facebook for up-to-date information.
Christie Clinic (217) 366-4070 (8 am – 5 pm; Monday – Friday)
Visit christieclinic.com or follow Christie Clinic on social media for the most up to date information on COVID-19.
Christie Clinic is moving as many visits as possible to Christie Clinic Telehealth to keep patients connected with their provider. To request a virtual appointment, patients should visit their MyChristie patient portal or call their provider to determine the best appointment solution.
Christie Clinic Convenient Cares now operating out of the Christie Clinic in Urbana and Christie Clinic in Danville on Vermilion locations.
OSF 833-OSF KNOW (833-673-5669)
The COVID-19 Nurse Hotline is staffed by OSF registered nurses around the clock, and during times of heavy usage will be staffed by other OSF health care professionals.
Clare, the virtual assistant chatbot on osfhealthcare.org, is equipped to begin screenings for and educate the public about COVID-19.
OSF COVID Companion is a free text messaging tool that the public can use to receive guidance about COVID-19. To subscribe, users can text OSF to 67634.
OSF SilverCloud-An online platform available at osfhealthcare.org/silvercloud, available 24/7 to help manage stress, anxiety and depression. It’s backed by a live health care professional who can direct users to in-person or telehealth care if necessary.
OSF HealthCare is launching a Pandemic Health Worker Program (PHWP) that will serve individuals with COVID-19 symptoms. A person is eligible for the PHWP if he or she is showing COVID-19 symptoms, or is at high risk for contracting the virus, but does not require emergency or inpatient care, and can be digitally monitored at home. They must first call the COVID-19 Nurse Hotline (833-OSF-KNOW) and be digitally triaged by a nurse. Depending on the answers to the screening questions, the nurse or other provider will determine if they are eligible for the PHWP. If enrolled, the client will be notified and receive a phone call from a Pandemic Health Worker within 48 hours.
Promise Healthcare
COVID-19 testing is available at Frances Nelson. If you have symptoms, call our COVID-19 Care Line at (217) 403-5402 or (217) 356-1558. Testing is available from 7:30 am – 5:15 pm, Monday through Friday at Frances Nelson, 819 Bloomington Road, Champaign.
Call (217) 356-1558 for care at Frances Nelson
Call (217) 693-4660 for care at Promise on Walnut
Call (217) 403-5477 for dental care with SmileHealth
The SmileHealthy Dental Center at Frances Nelson remains open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. to treat dental emergencies of pain or swelling. The clinic located at 819 Bloomington Road, Champaign welcomes patients with Molina, Meridian, Medicaid and Delta Dental and sees patients regardless of ability to pay on a sliding fee scale. Same day appointments are available.
