Friday, September 4, 2020 ● Volume 1, Issue 27
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NEWSLETTER SIGN UP
The COVID-19 Weekly Update will provide current information and resources for DuPage County. We encourage you to share this widely through our community. To subscribe and receive weekly local updates on COVID-19, please fill out this form.
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Stay Safe Over Labor Day Weekend
COVID-19 is Still Spreading in DuPage County
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With the number of COVID-19 cases increasing in DuPage County, the DuPage County Health Department wants you to know the virus is still here and continues to be a serious threat.
As we head into the Labor Day Weekend, the number of reported COVID-19 cases in DuPage County is approaching 15,000. Health officials are emphasizing the importance of actions individuals can take to reduce the spread of the virus.
We all want to celebrate holidays and summer, and go out with family and friends, but COVID-19 is still here and it’s important to continue following public health guidance to slow the spread of this virus.
The best way to prevent illness and infection is to avoid exposure to this virus. To slow the spread of COVID-19, you should stay home when possible, hold activities outdoors and in small groups, and practice the 3Ws:
- Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth when you are in public and around people who don’t live in your household;
- Watch your distance in order to maintain at least 6 feet from others as much as possible; and
- Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often.
It’s more important than ever to stay home if you are sick, especially if you have COVID-19 symptoms. If you are sick, call your doctor and get tested. If you have a fever, contact your doctor for instructions before you visit. If you have COVID-19, you need to stay home at least 10 days and until you have been fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medication for at least 24 hours and your symptoms are improving.
The DuPage County Health Department remains committed to addressing the significant impact of COVID-19. Our collaborative efforts continue with healthcare and other community partners to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in DuPage County.
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How to Handle "Mystery" Packages of
Unsolicited Seeds
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USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is aware that people across the country have received suspicious, unsolicited packages of seeds that appear to be coming from China. They are working closely with the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection, other federal agencies, and State departments of agriculture to investigate the situation.
Their main concern is the potential for these seeds to introduce damaging pests or diseases that could harm U.S. agriculture. It is important that as many seeds as possible are collected and tested.
If you receive a seed packet:
1. Please hold onto the seeds and packaging, including the mailing label.
2. DO NOT OPEN THE SEED PACKETS.
3. Place all contents in a Ziploc bag, then place in envelope or small box.
4. Send this material to:
USDA APHIS PPQ
Illinois Trade Compliance Team
2300 E. Devon Ave, Suite 374
Des Plaines, IL 60018
5. Enter your information into the following web form:
6. Please provide your return information on the envelope or box so we can reference the source.
If you cannot mail the seeds:
1. Do not open the seed packet.
2. Using duct tape, completely cover the packet from all sides with tape sealing the edges.
3. Place seed packet in small sandwich size zip-lock bag (remove any air pockets)
4. Place again inside another sandwich size zip-lock bag (double bag removing air)
5. Fold over to reduce size.
6. Using duct tape, completely cover the folded over bag from all sides with tape. This will help prevent the bag from bursting as it travels through the disposal system. It minimizes risk by preventing bag breakage, and preventing water and sun reaching the seeds.
7. Discard in trash.
If you have already planted the seeds and now have plants:
- Please dig up plants, double bag, and dispose of in the trash.
Visit the APHIS website to learn more about USDA’s efforts to stop agricultural smuggling and promote trade compliance.
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COVID-19 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES |
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University of Illinois Extension
Launches New Illinois Community Food Map
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To help Illinois residents and families meet their basic food needs, University of Illinois Extension launched a new Illinois community food map in early August that allows individuals to search by Illinois zip code for all food resources in that area.
Residents who count on SNAP (LINK) and other nutrition assistance programs, such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), typically search multiple, specific websites to find the resources they need. The comprehensive new Illinois community food map combines all resources in one geolocation mapping tool, making it particularly convenient for those with limited access to transportation.
In addition to locating food pantries and school and summer meal sites, households seeking food support will be able to search specific areas for the nearest grocery stores, food retailers, farmers markets, and roadside farm stands that accept SNAP (LINK), WIC, or senior food benefits. Illinois SNAP and WIC offices, where individuals can sign up to receive benefits, are included in search results as well.
A crowd-sourcing feature supports submissions for additional resources to be added to the map. The map will be maintained in real-time as data sources and submissions are received and approved. Food providers who wish to be included may submit requests on the EatMoveSave website.
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DuPage County
Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing Site
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DuPage County is offering community-based COVID-19 drive-thru testing at the DuPage County Complex. The entrance is located on County Farm Road a few blocks North of Roosevelt Road at a stoplight. Follow the signs through the campus to the test site.
The testing site is open Monday through Friday from 7 am until noon or until the daily test capacity of 600 is reached.No appointment, symptoms or insurance is required.
For more information about the testing site or what to expect, please click here.
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Pillars Community Health
COVID-19 Testing in Willowbrook
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Pillars Community Health offers drive-up testing for COVID-19 across the street from Burr Ridge Middle School in Burr Ridge.
Limited tests available; appointment required; please call 708-PILLARS (708-745-5277) .
Testing is available on Tuesdays 9 am-Noon and Thursdays from 9 am-1 pm to
anyone with symptoms of COVID-19; or anyone with a known exposure to COVID-19 (have been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19); or asymptomatic, high-risk patients, first responders, health care workers, or essential workers who wish to be tested.
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VNA Health Care COVID-19 Testing
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VNA Health Care offers COVID-19 testing by appointment only to new and existing patients with or without symptoms.
Community mobile testing clinics are also available in Bensenville and West Chicago through VNA Health Care.
VNA Mobile Clinic at St. Alexis Catholic Church
400 W Wood Ave, Bensenville, IL, 60106
VNA Mobile Clinic at St. Andrew's Church
155 N Prince Crossing Rd, West Chicago, IL, 60185
To schedule an appointment, call (630) 892-4355 or (847) 717-6455.
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2020 Census Spread the Word
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The 2020 Census is in the last stretch with the deadline of September 30, 2020 fast-approaching. Data collected in the census will inform the distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funds to states and communities each year for the next 10 years for things like health care, food assistance, and infrastructure.
Check in with your friends and family to make sure they have been counted in the 2020 Census, and encourage them to reach out to their friends too!
It’s important that we all respond to shape the future of our communities. Learn more and respond to the census today at 2020CENSUS.GOV.
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Illinois COVID-19 Hotline and Email Address
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If you have questions about Coronavirus - Call the Illinois Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Hotline:
Both are available anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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Friday, September 4, 2020 ● Volume 1, Issue 27
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