COVID-19 update and resources

• COVID-19

Updates

Department of Public Health:

• Requests increase reporting of bed availability https://bit.ly/3aDJuPe
• Recommendations for pregnant mothers and newborns https://bit.ly/2UUgKuV
• Guidance in grocery stores https://bit.ly/3dOEjhk

Department of Employment Security

• Federal Stimulus Package https://bit.ly/2Jwn4nb
• Illinois Specific Breakdown https://bit.ly/342xvbv

Department of Health and Human Services

• Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IIDs) and Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTFs) https://bit.ly/3aAAWZD
• Outpatient Settings: FAQs and Considerations https://bit.ly/2waDwGQ
• Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) Requirements and Implications Related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) https://bit.ly/2yrXxJJ
• Hospitals, Psychiatric Hospitals, and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs): FAQs, Considerations for Patient Triage, Placement, Limits to Visitation and Availability of 1135 waivers. https://bit.ly/39E8uVb
• COVID-19 guidance in dialysis facilities https://bit.ly/2UxNHP2

Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

• COVID 19 Daily FAQ https://bit.ly/3aMgl4o

Department of Agriculture Updates https://bit.ly/3dNNGxS

• Updates on cannabis application information

Solid Mosquito Larvicide Training

• Winter Blend Fuel Waiver
• Egg Packaging

 Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum E-newsletter https://bit.ly/2X0Zp6c

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IDES unemployment update 03-31-20

• COVID-19

For information COVID-19 as it relates to unemployment benefits: https://www2.illinois.gov/ides/Pages/COVID-19-and-Unemployment-Benefits.aspx

Lightford announces support for families, people experiencing homelessness and child care providers

• COVID-19

CHICAGO – Continuing efforts to provide support for struggling families during the COVID-19 pandemic, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) announces increases in SNAP benefits, help for people experiencing homelessness and backing for child care providers serving essential workers during this crisis.

“Our most vulnerable residents and families are feeling the brunt of the fight against COVID-19,” Lightford said. “Through Governor Pritzker’s leadership, we are able to provide some relief to people in need as we continue to combat this virus.”

The state of Illinois has requested special waivers from the United States Department of Agriculture allowing the Illinois Department of Human Services to increase monthly benefit amounts of the Supplemental Food and Nutrition Program, expand SNAP access, and expediting process and flexibility. The expansion will result in almost $80 million more for Illinois families, and double existing benefits for many people.

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COVID-19 Q&A

• COVID-19

Testing Kits/Equipment

Q: How many mobile testing facilities will be allowed statewide, and what are their current locations?

A: Currently there are 4 locations available for drive-thru testing: Harwood Heights/Chicago, Northlake, Joliet, and Bolingbrook. All four of the mobile testing sites operate under U.S. Health and Human Services criteria which prioritizes health care workers and first responders. As availability allows, testing criteria may be expanded beyond this initial pilot program.

 

Emergency Management (IEMA)

Q: Is there availability of state resources to provide for the housing or for payment to private facilities that have been directed by IEMA to arrange 25 beds of temporary housing?

A: IEMA asked the counties to identify alternative housing within their communities, and if the county cannot provide the 25-bed minimum, then they can indicate that on the template. FEMA has provided additional clarifying guidance for state/local governments about reimbursement for non-congregate facilities. Yes, 25 was the target number for local jurisdictions, and hotels were one of the options we provided.

IEMA and DHS have looked at state locations (parks, colleges, universities, etc.) to assist local jurisdictions. The following lodges meet the select listed criteria contained in the question, specifically, 25 beds of temporary housing, no circulating area, and individual bathrooms:

· Starved Rock – LaSalle
· White Pines Forest – Ogle
· IL Beach – Lake
· Carlyle Lake – Clinton
· Pere Marquette – Jersey
· Giant City - Union

Once the jurisdictions have turned in their updated plans, which are due 20 March 2020, the state can start to analyze remaining gaps and look at options for those jurisdictions such as state facilities or developing regional plans consolidating multi-county resources. Region 2 (Northwest Illinois) have already developed their own regional plan.

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