For Illinoisans
The State of Illinois has launched a coronavirus response website with up-to-date information on how this virus is impacting all of us. For more information, visit Coronavirus.Illinois.gov. If you’re interested in serving our community through volunteer opportunities visit Serve.Illinois.gov.
Small Business Webinars
Congresswoman Bustos will host three regional small business webinars on Monday (4/6), Tuesday (4/7), and Wednesday (4/8) at 10:00 a.m. CST. These webinars will focus on providing information to questions on how small businesses can apply for access relief programs in the wake of the coronavirus and will be separated into the Northern, Western and Southern parts of the region.
If you are a local business interested in participating, please fill out the form here and a staff member will follow-up with you to confirm your reservation. Due to limited space, please note that only one participant per business will be allowed to join the webinar, in order to create the maximum amount of opportunity for businesses across the region. Following these sessions, materials will be made available to those unable to participate.
For information regarding the Paycheck Protection Program as well as other grants and benefits that assist small businesses click here.
For information regarding direct payments click here.
For information regarding unemployment compensation click here.
For Frequently Asked Questions click here.
Information on the coronavirus
As you may know, officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently warned of a coronavirus outbreak in the United States. In order to prepare for an expected increase in cases, I encourage Illinoisans to routinely follow updates from the CDC. Out of concern for the health and safety of our families, below are resources from the CDC that can help you and your loved ones stay informed on the coronavirus. You may also reach the CDC-INFO Contact Center at 800-232-4636 (800-CDC-INFO) and view a fact sheet from the CDC on what you need to know about coronavirus disease here.
Background on the coronavirus
According to the CDC, they are “responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and which has now been detected in 50 locations internationally, including cases in the United States. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”).” You can learn more about the source and spread of the virus here.
Symptoms
The CDC has reported that “symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. For confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death.” You can learn more about the symptoms here.
Prevention & Treatment
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions.
People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
You can learn more about prevention and treatment here.
Resources for Local Veterans
The Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) has created a resource page on their website detailing what the VA is doing, what Veterans should do and how to protect yourself. You may learn more information here.
Actions Taken by Congresswoman Bustos’ Office
In response to the Coronavirus, Congresswoman Bustos’ office has conducted outreach to every hospital in the district, the Illinois Hospital Association, the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network, every County Health Department in the district and several Community Health Clinics. The Congresswoman has also been closely engaged with Governor Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, in order to better help her advocate for the district at the federal level.