Info & Resources for COVID-19 Outbreak

We’re dedicated to keeping you informed with the news from trusted sources – from both the national and local healthcare communities. Please check back for more updates on the ongoing COVID-19 virus and outbreak.

PUBLIC HEALTH PHONE LINES

Illinois Department of Public Health: 1-(800)-889-3931
Boone County Department of Public Health: 1-(815)-544-2951
DeKalb County Department of Public Health: 1-(815)-758-6673
Rock County Department of Public Health: 1-(608)-757-5440
Winnebago County Department of Public Health: 1-(815)-720-4000

CORONAVIRUS NEWS UPDATES & INFO

Centers for Disease Control: Information & Resources

DeKalb County Health Department: Emerging Information

Illinois Department of Public Health: Press Updates

Illinois Department of Unemployment: Unemployment Benefit Information

Illinois Stay at Home Order: Essential Activities/Businesses

State of Illinois COVID-19 Response: Updates, Resources, FAQs

SYMPTOMS

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion or inability to arouse
Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

Clean your hands often

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Clean and disinfect

Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE SICK

Stay home except to get medical care

Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness. You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care.
Avoid public areas: Do not go to work, school, or public areas.
Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.

Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home

Stay away from others: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
Limit contact with pets & animals: You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus.
When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a face-mask. See COVID-19 and Animals for more information.

Information for Household Members and Caregivers of Someone who is Sick

Call ahead before visiting your doctor

Call ahead: If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.

Wear a face-mask if you are sick

If you are sick: You should wear a face-mask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) or pets and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.
If you are caring for others: If the person who is sick is not able to wear a face-mask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then people who live with the person who is sick should not stay in the same room with them, or they should wear a face-mask if they enter a room with the person who is sick.

Cover your coughs and sneezes

Cover: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Dispose: Throw used tissues in a lined trash can.
Wash hands: Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or, if soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.