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Health experts said it’s critical for all
residents to help curb community spread by wearing masks in public
places, by staying six feet apart from others whenever possible and
by washing their hands frequently and thoroughly.
“These practices are critical now more than ever,” said Don Cavi,
Logan County Department of Public Health Executive Director. “We
have started to see an uptick in cases locally, and disregarding
masking guidelines and social distancing standards is certainly
contributing to the rise.”
To be effective, a face covering or mask should cover the person’s
nose and mouth, and should fit closely to their face.
“As health care leaders, we are committed to keeping our patients,
employees, and communities safe. This includes everyone wearing a
mask in our clinics and on our campuses. We also know that
individual choices in our communities are a major factor in the
success of our fight against coronavirus and the pandemic,” said
Harry Lausen, DO, SIU Medicine’s chief medical officer. “SIU
Medicine joins our community partners to strongly encourage the
wearing of masks in community and group settings.”
Anyone who cannot wear a mask for health reasons should avoid public
places if possible, as their condition would put them at greater
risk for serious complications if they contract COVID-19, the
organizations said.
The organizations also noted that other states have seen surges in
cases that have strained medical resources, and forced closings of
businesses that had re-opened.
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While hospitalizations have not risen as sharply in
central Illinois as in other states, the health organizations said
it’s critical to continue to follow health guidelines to reduce the
spread of the virus.
“We wholeheartedly support our local business owners
who are making difficult choices about how to keep their businesses
open and keep employees and patrons safe," stated Springfield
Clinic's chief medical officer, Ken Sagins, MD, FAAP. "Following
public health guidelines is the best way for the public to support
local businesses and to help all of us return to normalcy.”
“We understand people are worried, but healthcare facilities are
some of the safest places you can be right now. We have teams
dedicated to quality and cleanliness at all our facilities.
Protecting your health and safety is our top priority,” said
Gurpreet Mander, MD, HSHS Illinois chief physician executive. “We're
ready to take care of all your health care needs; and encourage you
to not delay your care.”
The health leaders emphasized that taking precautions is a community
issue.
“We don’t know when this crisis will be over. But, we do know that
our communities are strongest when we work together,” said Raj
Govindaiah, MD, chief medical officer for Memorial Health System.
“Everyone must do their part to protect themselves and each other,
and that will help to ensure that central Illinois weathers the next
phase of this crisis.”
[Angela Stoltzenburg] |
