Illinois COVID-19 Resources | Integrate Digital Marketing

The coronavirus is wreaking havoc on people, businesses, industries, stocks, and life in general. Things are going to get worse before they get better. The short term outlook for life looks much different than anyone would have imagined at the start of 2020.

I’m thankful I work in the SEO space where it is widely accepted to work from home, thankful I can easily self isolate with my family, thankful I have the support I need.

I often think about those who have to go to a job site or office building everyday, live paycheck to paycheck, struggle to make ends meet month to month, and can’t afford to miss a day of work.

Sometimes things happen which puts shit in perspective. Look after yourself and your family. Be good to yourself and others. Provide support to those who need it, not just now, but always.

Provided below is a list of resources and information I find most helpful regarding the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak. I thought it might be helpful to share helpful information with the amount of mis-information being floated about. I will continue to update this page as more resources become available.

Illinois Department of Public Health

Here is the website to the COVID-19 updates on Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). The site has good, updated information on how many people have been tested, how many tested positive, and the number of deaths, all in Illinois.

There are also several links to various other informative pieces such as; Daily COVID press releases, Pritzger’s Executive Orders, Community Guidance, School Guidance, and Testing both here and here.

This is a terrific infographic on who you should call about COVID-19, what to do if you think you have it, and what to do if you want to get tested.

It has useful resources, including a card that mimics what you see above. Google’s post announcing the site says that you will be able to find “state-based information, safety and prevention tips, search trends related to COVID-19, and further resources for individuals, educators and businesses.” Google emphasizes that it’s pulling information from “authoritative” sources like the WHO and the CDC.

It’s only available in English right now, but a Google spokesperson tells The Verge that Spanish language support is soon to follow. The site was also designed with accessibility in mind, including with the larger fonts that Google usually uses.

The website has videos in ASL, a global map showing confirmed cases by country, and plenty of information about Google’s other relief efforts — plus some feel-good YouTube videos.

Here is a map showing how much influenza-like illness above the normal expected levels have been detected since March 1.

The time series chart allows you to compare Kinsa’s observations of the influenza-like illness level in the U.S., in orange and red, against where we’d expect them to be, in blue, and see how that relationship has changed over the past few weeks.

The Hammer and the Dance

This article was being passed around on March 19th and is one of the best resources out there regarding what governments should do to curtail the virus, what happens if they do nothing, and stats detailing how many deaths could occur during this outbreak.

Strong coronavirus measures today should only last a few weeks, there shouldn’t be a big peak of infections afterwards, and it can all be done for a reasonable cost to society, saving millions of lives along the way. If we don’t take these measures, tens of millions will be infected, many will die, along with anybody else that requires intensive care, because the healthcare system will have collapsed.

Coronavirus Explained and What You Should Do

I recently found this video about what COVID-19 is and what you should do. It is broken down nicely with solid information and is easy to understand.

McHenry County and Crystal Lake, IL Resources

The City of Crystal Lake is actively monitoring and responding to the activities associated with the spread for the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19. The City will provide periodic updates on this page as information becomes available. The agency links below are the best source of information. The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is the lead agency for infectious disease in McHenry County and the City is coordinating its efforts with their guidance along with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and IL Dept. of Public Health (IDPH).

The City has established email and voicemail options for members of our community to request information related to City activities in response to COVID-19. Additionally, these communication options can also be used to request guidance on where to find information. Our representatives will work to provide the information in a timely manner.

These 2 websites are updated regularly with COVID-19 information from the county and city.

The demand for help in Chicago and the suburbs has been increasing, and the region is supported by a number of food pantries. There are free groceries as well as meals served by non-profit organizations that can assist low income families and others who need help. Many of the centers also partner together in order to try to end hunger in the community as well as the greater Cook County region.

Both donated and purchased food, perishable items and groceries are distributed from dozens of local pantries, shelters, churches, as well as soup kitchens. Some of what can be available includes dairy products, meats, vegetables, baby formula, and canned goods. Focus is placed on assisting children, seniors and older adults and the unemployed, however anyone can stop by.

Here are 2 Food Pantries in Crystal Lake, IL

Crystal Lake Food Pantry
257 King Street
Crystal Lake, IL – 60014
(815) 455-0961
http://www.clpantry.org/

Salvation Army
290 W. Crystal Lake Ave
Crystal Lake, IL – 60014
815-455-2769

This website lists all of the Food Pantries in Illinois

Small Business Administration Loans

The federal Small Business Administration (SBA) may be able to provide assistance through the Economic Injury Disaster Loans program to businesses that have suffered substantial economic injury in an eligible disaster area. Congress approved up to $7 billion in low-interest disaster loans specifically to assist small businesses impacted by COVID-19. These loans can help small businesses meet financial obligations and cover operating expenses. Visit: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/

Illinois Disaster Proclamation

Governor Pritzker, in the interest of aiding the people of Illinois and the local governments responsible for ensuring public health and safety, issued a Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation in response to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.

The proclamation will assist Illinois agencies in coordinating State and Federal resources, including the Strategic National Stockpile of medicines and protective equipment, to support local governments in preparation for any action that may be necessary related to the potential impact of COVID-19 in the State of Illinois.

Here is a thread from Dr. Faheem Younus, the Chief Quality Officer and Chief of Infectious Diseases, University of Maryland. In this, he provides myths and facts regarding the Coronavirus.

You can follow him here: https://twitter.com/FaheemYounus

Myth #2: In summer, the virus will spread more due to mosquito bites.

Wrong. This infection is spread via respiratory droplets, not blood. Mosquitos don’t increase spread.

— Faheem Younus, MD (@FaheemYounus)

Myth #4: Since COVID testing is unavailable, we should donate blood. The blood bank will test for it.

No blood bank is testing for Coronavirus so this attempt will fail. Blood donation is a sacred exercise; let’s make sure we are motivated by the right reasons.

— Faheem Younus, MD (@FaheemYounus)

Myth #6: All this social distancing is an over reaction. You’ll see that the virus won’t cause much damage.

If we don’t see many infections (I hope) it actually will prove that social distancing worked. Not that the virus was never a big deal.

— Faheem Younus, MD (@FaheemYounus)

Myth #8: Hand sanitizers are better than soap and water.

Wrong. Soap and water actually kills and washes away the virus from skin (it can not penetrate our skin cells) plus it also cleans visible soiling if hands. Don’t worry if Purrell was sold out at your supermarket.

— Faheem Younus, MD (@FaheemYounus)

Myth #10: COVID-19 was deliberately spread by (depending upon your politics) the American or Chinese military.

Really???

— Faheem Younus, MD (@FaheemYounus)

Dr. David Sinclair, a Harvard professor, has been putting out a load of good information. Here is one of his threads on how to best prepare for the Coronavirus, symptoms, and what to do if you think you may have COVID-19.

You can follow him here: https://twitter.com/davidasinclair

If you or a family member has difficulty breathing or continual shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face, the CDC says you should seek medical attention immediately: https://t.co/nRydrdKhDl