Champaign-Urbana Public Health Briefing March 30, 2020

Champaign, Ill.— Under the leadership of the Champaign County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), area healthcare organizations will be providing daily media briefings.
The number of persons diagnosed with COVID-19 in Illinois continues to rise. We are announcing three new cases; a male in his 80s, a male in his 40s and a female in her 30s. As of today, there are 24 confirmed cases in Champaign County. These numbers are accurate as of the release time.
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.
Planning for surge in patients
 Hospitals and clinics are ready: we know how to isolate patients within our facilities. Our teams treat patients with a variety of infectious diseases on a daily basis. These patients are isolated and treated in appropriate spaces by trained staff using specialized equipment.
 We’re providing enhanced training on the appropriate use of personal protective equipment and working to conserve our supplies.
 While COVID-19 is new, preparing for responses to disasters, including potential epidemics and pandemics (e.g., H1N1, Swine Flu, Ebola), is not.
 We continually conduct education and drills to be prepared as possible for these types of public health emergencies.
 We remain in close contact with our partners and work together to ensure we have information and supplies through our regional response plans.
Christie Clinic now accepting hand-made masks for non-clinical use
Christie Clinic is now accepting donations of hand-made masks for non-clinical staff. Sewn masks do not prevent COVID-19 but they may prevent the spread of germs for people outside of patient care.
Make masks following these directions online: https://youtu.be/ueWkAuY3k6Y
 Please email christiec@christieclinic.com to coordinate pickup.
 Christie Clinic is also actively accepting PPE donations.
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.
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 has an authorized testing facility outside the Christie Clinic on Windsor location.
Patients identified through Illinois Department of Public Health’s screening protocol to need testing will be directed to this location. Patients need to call ahead to receive specific instructions on where to go and how to be tested. This will reduce the risk of potential exposure to others.
 To help slow the spread of COVID-19, Christie Clinic patients will be limited to one support person at their appointment. Additional guests should remain in their vehicles.
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.
Promise Health
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. Call to schedule
an appointment (217) 403-5401.
 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