City of Elmhurst Coronavirus Preparedness and Prevention

March 12, 2020, 3:05pm The City of Elmhurst is taking a proactive approach to public health concerns regarding COVID-19. We are prepared for the potential impact of a heightened situation.

City Staff have initiated emergency operation meetings to evaluate and execute the precautionary measures and response logistics in preparing for a localized case. We continue to work closely with the Illinois Department of Public Health, DuPage County Health Department, the DuPage County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, as well as our community partners.

It is the City’s highest priority to provide superior governmental services to the community and we continue to operate at the highest level of service. This priority is always our first consideration when developing preventative measures of safety and preparing plans for local incidents.

City Department prevention methods for COVID-19 include:

• Department Directors are advising sick employees to stay home.
• City facilities, high traffic areas such as the Metra Station and parking garages, as well as city equipment and vehicles are being disinfected multiple times a day.
• All employees, residents and visitors who enter a city facility are offered hand sanitizer and are encouraged to wash their hands.
• All individuals entering city facilities are encouraged to go “hand-shake-free” and find an alternative way to greet each other.
• City staff are encouraged to schedule conference calls versus face-to-face meetings.
• Whenever possible, employees are remaining 6-feet apart from co-workers, residents, and visitors.
• Staff is encouraged to clean workspaces including keyboards, cell phones and office phones.

City preparedness for a potential localized COVID-19 impact include:

• The City is prepared to cancel public meetings. These decisions will be carefully considered and evaluated. All communication updates will be posted on the City’s website through the alert center and on the City’s social media platforms.
• The City is prepared to restrict or limit access to City facilities to essential personnel. In the event that this occurs, signs will be posted at these facilities and messages will be posted to the City’s website through the alert center and on the City’s social media platforms.
• The City is prepared to address the public by broadcasting live through ElmhurstTV YouTube. Public meetings and messages from City officials many be broadcasted to maintain schedule or deliver important information to residents through these communication channels.
• The City is prepared to notify the public of any heightened level of emergency. Any messaging that requires residents to take action for safety will be distributed to through the City’s CodeRED system. This form of communication is reserved for high level incidents and only used when deemed necessary. Please register for CodeRED alerts at Elmhurst.org/CodeRED.
• City Departments are prepared for requiring staff to self-quarantine if they have been exposed to the virus.
• City Staff is prepared for alternate work schedules so that City operations continue.
• City Staff is prepared to encourage residents conduct routine City business over the phone or online including making payments.

Residents are encouraged to remain calm and aware of the key measures to take in preventing the spread of illness which include:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick with respiratory symptoms.
• 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.
• If you have not already done so, discuss influenza vaccination with your health care provider to help protect you against seasonal influenza.

If you think you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 which include fever, cough, and shortness of breath it is advised that you stay home and contact your primary care provide by phone. Please only contact 9-1-1 if you have a life-threatening emergency.

If you have questions about Coronavirus- Call the Illinois Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Hotline 1(800) 889-3931 or send an email to: DPH.SICK@ILLINOIS.GOV Anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For more background information on the coronavirus and for the latest updates, please use the following links:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

INFORMATION FROM COMMUNITY PARTNERS ON COVID-19:

Elmhurst Hospital: https://www.eehealth.org/coronavirus/

Elmhurst School District 205: https://www.elmhurst205.org/resources/health-services

Elmhurst Park District: https://www.epd.org

Elmhurst Public Library: https://elmhurstpubliclibrary.org

Elmhurst College: https://www.elmhurst.edu