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“Today, we are pleased join federal, state, and
local officials in McLean County to announce that the federal
government will extend their support and funding for the COVID—19
testing facility at the McLean County Fairgrounds,” said the
Congressmen. “The coronavirus pandemic calls on each of us to put
aside our political differences and work together to overcome this
health and economic crisis. We are pleased that the federal
government moved swiftly to expand their support Illinois’ testing
ability.
“We also want thank the Adjutant General of the Illinois National
Guard, Brig. Gen. Richard Neely, his servicemen and women, and the
McLean County Health Department for their tireless work to keep this
site running and our community safe. In Congress, we’ll continue to
work with our colleagues and the White House in a bipartisan manner
to support the McLean County testing site and Illinois’ response.”
In late March, the Department of Health and Human Services launched
a pilot community-based testing program, so the federal government
could provide enhanced testing support for the states. The McLean
County facility, which is part of the pilot program, was scheduled
to be transitioned over to the state of Illinois in the coming days
as planned. After working with federal partners at HHS and in the
state, the community-based testing site will continue to be
supported and funded by the federal government through May 30th,
once the state paperwork is submitted.
Federal Government Support for Illinois’ Response:
On March 4, Congress passed the first emergency coronavirus package,
which was signed into law by President Trump on March 6, 2020. This
package included $7.8 billion funding to increase testing
capabilities across the country, bolster state and local response
efforts, provide relief to small businesses, and purchase essential
equipment and supplies. Nearly $36 million in direct HHS grants to
Chicago & the state of Illinois On March 27,
2020, Congress passed the third emergency coronavirus package (H.R.
748, as amended) by voice vote, which was later signed into law by
President Trump on that same day.
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This package provided almost $2 trillion in
relief, including direct financial assistance to middle-class
Americans, funds to support health care workers and hospitals,
emergency loans for small businesses, expanded unemployment
insurance and directs funds to state and local governments. CARES
supplemental funding to Illinois from HHS, through the Health
Resources & Services Administration, totals
$51.6M to support 45 health centers in the state.
Alternate care sites that the Army Corps of Engineers
is supporting, designing, and building out
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McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago
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West Lake Hospital, in Melrose Park
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Sherman Hospital in Elgin
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Metro South Hospital in Blue Island
Vibra Hospital in Springfield
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10
additional sites under review
Under the federal government’s leadership,
Community Based Testing Locations (2 state run and 3 private sector)
entirely supplied by HHS/FEMA and partially staffed by US Public
Health Service.
Total allocation of supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS)
delivered to Illinois (2 total shipments; one pending state
verification):
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540,523 N95 Respirators
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1,585,657 Surgical Masks
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260,330 Face Shields
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213,230 Surgical Gowns
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7,621 Coveralls
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1,130,407 Gloves
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Total 600 ventilators provided to Illinois, to-date
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Request for additional 100 ventilators from Chicago pending
[JOHN RAUBER. OFFICE OF CONGRESSMAN
DARIN LaHOOD] |
