The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is responding to an outbreak of a respiratory disease caused by a new coronavirus. The Village is working with local, state and federal health partners to take all preventative steps available to limit the spread of COVID-19. To help keep the La Grange community safe, please do your part to prevent the spread of the illness.
The Illinois Department of Health (IDPH) recommends the following actions to slow the spread of coronavirus, influenza and other seasonal illnesses:
- Stay home when sick
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Wash hands often with soap and water
- Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
This past week has seen dramatic steps being taken to accelerate social distancing in an effort to slow down the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the anticipated challenges to our health care system. The Village, along with the Senior Center, Library, Schools and Park District, have either already closed public access or are in the process of considering restrictions in light of the social distancing guidance. While these steps may seem extreme, they are advised by the Illinois Department of Public Health, which urges all Illinois residents to reduce social contact as much as possible.
The Village of La Grange has canceled all public meetings, including board and commission meetings, until at least April 1. Additional information and guidance will continue to be provided.
President Kuchler has issued a letter to residents regarding Coronavirus.
Additional information on Coronavirus, including symptoms and transmission of the virus, is available at the following links:
In response to Coronavirus COVID-19, the Villages of La Grange, La Grange Park, and Western Springs, in concert with the Lyons Township Area Communications Center (LTACC), and under the direction of the Emergency Medical Services of Loyola University Health System, have developed a standard set of protocols for patient care, employee safety, and to safeguard public health. These protocols are continuing to change and evolve as required or recommended by state, federal and hospital sources.
Emergency personnel will respond in their usual expedient manner; however, once on the scene will take deliberate actions to limit exposure to a minimum number of emergency personnel. This means that emergency personnel may be wearing protective clothing, and may place protective clothing or masks on the patient.
LTACC, along with local hospital networks, are taking actions to reduce the risk and to provide the safest possible environment for residents and emergency response personnel. To that end, we continue to train our personnel in these protocols, share medical information and updates, and develop contingency plans to assist each participating community, should resources be otherwise committed.
As the Coronavirus situation evolves, LTACC will continue to work with federal and state agencies, cooperate on an intergovernmental basis, and coordinate with our resource hospital. Please find the joint press release here, and to learn more about Coronavirus symptoms and available resources, please click here.
Please contact the Illinois Department of Public Health by calling (800) 889-3931 or e-mailing dph.sick@illinois.gov with specific questions regarding coronavirus. As always, in the event of an emergency, please dial 9-1-1.