Champaign-Urbana Public Health Briefing April 8, 2020

Champaign, Ill.— All daily media briefings are provided under the leadership of the Champaign County Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

The number of persons diagnosed with COVID-19 in Illinois continues to rise. We are announcing three new cases for a total of 70 cases in Champaign County as of today. There has been one COVID-related death. 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

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

We know many people are feeling stressed or experiencing grief during this difficult time. Please visit the Healthcare section of the COVID-19 resource site for mental health support. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also have the following resources available:

CDC: Stress and Coping https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress- anxiety.html

CDC: Taking Care of Your Emotional Health: https://emergency.cdc.gov/coping/selfcare.asp

The COVID-19 website will be updated as new information is received.

Additional resources and information

Change in guidance – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.

For more information on how to make cloth face coverings, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/…/prevent…/diy-cloth- face-coverings.html

Symptomatic vs. asymptomatic

Symptomatic – showing or involving symptoms of an illness

Asymptomatic – producing or showing no symptoms of an illness

A person who is symptomatic would be showing symptoms of the COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath). A person who is asymptomatic could be a carrier for the infection, or be infected with COVID-19 and show no symptoms.

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.

The 2019-20 season for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has been extended to June 30, 2020. Champaign County residents can schedule their appointment online from a mobile phone, tablet, or computer at www.ccrpc.org/liheap. All appointments will be conducted over the phone. If you have any questions or need more information about eligibility, call 217-384-1226.

University of Illinois’ COVID-19: Summer camps and summer events information can be found at: https://massmail.illinois.edu/massmail/1681029.html 

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. Health officials do not indicate testing for mildly ill or asymptomatic people.

COVID-19 Patient Resources Carle (217) 902-6100

Visit carle.org for an online screening tool and patient information about COVID-19. A smart form will guide

patients through a series of questions to assess their symptoms and risk and provide guidance on how, where or if a patient should seek care.

Carle Online Assessment Tool

As concern over the spread of COVID-19 continues Carle updated our online resources to help you best understand your symptoms and course of action. Our online assessment tool has been redesigned and restructured to enhance ease-of-use. Please remember, you should still call the COVID-19 hotline at (217) 902- 6100 or your provider before appearing at a Carle Facility. You can find the assessment tool on Carle.org at https://carle.org/home/covid-19-screening.

Beginning today, patients and allowable support persons entering all three of Carle hospitals will notice more robust screening measures taking place including taking your temperature. Nurses will assist in directing you to the proper location for your care needs. You will also notice more employees wearing fabric masks following the best practice guidance released this week.

Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (217) 239-7877

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.

Promise Healthcare

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 SmileHealthy

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.