Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) recently conducted a roundtable discussion with federal, state, and local public health officials regarding the coordinated response to the coronavirus outbreak.
“I am grateful to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Illinois Department of Public Health, Cook County Department of Public Health, and Chicago Department of Public Health for quickly responding to the five reported cases of coronavirus in Illinois,” Durbin said. “I will continue to support federal assistance that helps keep Illinoisans safe and healthy in their homes, schools, communities, and neighborhoods as we confront this public health threat.”
The effort provided the latest information on how the federal, state, and local governments are working to prevent and address the coronavirus outbreak, officials said, outlining the best practices in responding.
Health officials indicated everyday preventative actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases include avoiding close contact with people who are sick; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; stay home when sick; cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Officials said if soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol and suggest always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.