Nursing Homes Hit, Business Help: Coronavirus In The Southland

SOUTHLAND CHICAGO — The new coronavirus outbreak in the Chicago area and across the nation continues to make an impact in the south suburbs. Schools and many businesses remain closed as the state’s “stay-at-home” order has been extended through the end of April.

All indications are that life won’t return to normal until much later than that, however. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has suggested that all large summer gatherings be canceled due to the coronavirus.

Already in the area, a popular summer parish carnival has been canceled and a 10K race traditionally held on Memorial Day has been postponed to Labor Day weekend this year.
The number of cases of the illness caused by the virus, known as COVID-19, continue to rise and additional measures and closures continue to be announced.

Homewood Disposal, which provides trash services for a number of towns in the south suburbs, has advised households with someone infected with the coronavirus to not recycle. Instead, the affected households should place items they would normally recycle in the trash can.

Last week, two employees at the Walmart in Evergreen Park died as a result of contracting the disease. Now, the family of one of the employees has filed a wrongful death lawsuit as a response.

Here are the latest local updates from the south suburbs:

CASES:

• 78 Confirmed Or Suspected Cases Of Coronavirus At Silver Cross Hospital
• Coronavirus In The South Suburbs: 4 Suspected Nursing Home Deaths
• 9 More Coronavirus Deaths In Will County In Recent Days

SCHOOLS:

All K-12 schools in Illinois have been closed by the order of Gov. J.B. Pritzker through the end of April. READ MORE: All Illinois Schools Closed Due To Coronavirus Outbreak

BUSINESSES:

All restaurants and bars in the state have been ordered to cease dine-in services through the end of April. Small businesses continue to be hit especially hard during the pandemic.

Patch has, at the national level, offered a list of resources for businesses who need help during the coronavirus crisis. We've also created forms for our towns that allow business owners to include their information on whether they are open or closed and what they have available during the crisis. Here's the business directory for Oak Forest.

Locally, in Homer Glen, small business loan programs have been approved to help small businesses affected by the coronavirus outbreak. New Lenox has also implemented a similar program, while discussions have also taken place on an initiative in Lemont.

CLOSURES/CANCELLATIONS:

Coronavirus Cancels St. Catherine Of Alexandria Carnival
St. Catherine's popular carnival slated for June has been canceled due to coronavirus pandemic.
Oak Fest 2020 Canceled Due To Coronavirus Outbreak
Organizers of the popular summer festival in Oak Forest have made an early decision to cancel the 2020 event due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Frankfort Park District Offers Virtual Egg-Counting Contest
Although Frankfort Park District had to cancel its egg-hunting events due to the coronavirus, you can still win some candy-filled eggs.

HOSPITALS AND TESTING:

OSF-Little Company of Mary Expands ER For Coronavirus Pandemic
OSF HealthCare-Little Company of Mary Medical Center ramp up emergency department expansion to accommodate coronavirus patients.
Silver Cross Addresses Coronavirus Concerns For Pregnant Women
The informational video from Silver Cross gives information on coronavirus concerns for pregnant women, including breastfeeding and delivery
Coronavirus Antibody Testing Offered At Lab In Orland Park
ARCpoint Labs of Orland Park has opened their antibody testing for the new coronavirus to the public.
New Lenox, Orland Park Healing Centers Offer Teletherapy
Many mental health services and therapy offices are providing teletherapy since people can't leave their homes due to the coronavirus.

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HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Donating blood and volunteering are two of many ways those able can help those in need.

In the Beverly neighborhood, a local bakery is hosting a food pantry for those who can help and others who need it.

Residents in Tinley Park have formed a group of volunteers that helps senior citizens and others at risk with grocery shopping and medication pick-ups.

Park Lawn Services in Oak Lawn is in need of PPE and sanitizing product donations.

Documenting history: Once the crisis is over, the Lemont Public Library said it will collect journals, photos and other documents from residents and tell the story of life in Lemont during the quarantine.

Here's what else you should know:

Statewide, more than 16,000 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Illinois and more than 500 deaths as of April 10.

Masks are recommended when going outdoors. Here are a few simple ways to make your own mask.

The coronavirus spread has already made an impact on the local economy. More than 200,000 unemployment claims were made in Illinois is a single week.

In the city of Chicago, more than 70 percent of those who have died from the coronavirus are African-Americans.

How It Spreads

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person. Someone who is actively sick with COVID-19 can spread the illness to others. That is why CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others.

There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19.

While the best way to prevent illness is to avoid virus exposure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention always recommends taking preventive actions to contain the spread of viruses.

This includes:

• 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 wipes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.