The State of Illinois has set up a website with a list of resources and links to information, here.
From the World Health Organization:
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new strain that was discovered in 2019 and has not been previously identified in humans. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus from WHO are here.
Medical services, info and hotlines:
If you or someone you care for is experiencing symptoms, Sangamon County public health officials are urging you to call your primary care provider before coming to a clinic or hospital in person. Those without physicians and those with general questions can call a county hotline: 217-321-2606
From the Illinois Department of Public Health: For general questions about COVID-19 and Illinois’ response and guidance, call 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov
Memorial Health System has a drive-through screening clinic. The clinic at 2950 South Sixth Street will be open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. People should call 217-588-4019 before visiting, but walk-ins will be accepted. The clinic is open to anyone with respiratory issues that could be connected to the coronavirus. No testing will be conducted onsite.
The latest information regarding coronavirus from IDPH is here.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has a website with up-to-date information and resources, here.
Memorial Medical Center in Springfield has made its virtual visiting services free "for the foreseeable future." The effort can help keep people dealing with non-emergency issues from over-burdening the hospital system. The service is available at MemorialNow.com.
Those who are dealing with stress and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic can call a Memorial Behavioral Health hotline: 217-588-5509
Unemployment:
Those in Illinois who are seeking unemployment benefits can apply online, here.
Food:
Those seeking food stamps can apply here.
The Central Illinois Foodbank has a pantry locator here.
Families with students who attend Springfield public schools can pick up bagged breakfasts and lunches, a list of locations and more information is here.
Education:
Regular updates from District 186 are being posted at its website. For a host of other information that locals are regularly sharing with each other, including online learning resources, check out the Springfield Families Helping Families Facebook group, here.
Businesses:
From Downtown Springfield, Inc: "A new website, donated by a local Springfield business, will consolidate business information across Sangamon County to keep consumers apprised of the status of their favorite local businesses and their services in one, easily searchable place. The website is SpringfieldZoom.com. Any Sangamon County business or organization can simply click on 'Register My Business' to get started."
