Here's the most important message:
Now is the time to stay calm... and stay at home. Bars, restaurants, and schools are closed, as are many workplaces. All of these places have closed to create social distance between us so that the COVID-19 virus can't get close enough to spread. Take this seriously and stay home. While you're at home, consider these ideas:
Good Things
- Take a deep breath.
- Get a meal delivered or pick up a meal to go from one of Lake Bluff's restaurants.
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Read a book using one of the Lake Bluff Library's online resources.
- If you're not sick, go for a nice jog alone or walk you dog. (Really - you can go outside. These rules minimize close contact with other people, not fresh air.)
Bad Things
- Hoarding. There is enough food and supplies available for everyone, but only if families only buy what they reasonably need.
- Going out if you're sick. Everyone should stay home, but especially if you are feeling ill.
- Gathering in groups of more than 10. This is the exact opposite of social distancing.
COVID-19 Information
Our understanding of COVID-19, and how to prevent it, is changing rapidly. This is the best information we have today from the Illinois Department of Public Health, in 200 words:
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The spread of COVID-19 is primarily by people who are in close contact by respiratory droplets. This is why it is important to maintain social distance of 6 feet from others and to avoid contact like handshakes. People can also contract COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus, followed by touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.
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Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Preliminary data suggest older adults and people with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems seem to be at greater risk of developing serious illness.
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If you are sick and have respiratory symptoms, stay home unless you need medical attention. Remain in your home until you feel better and have no symptoms. Keep in mind there is no treatment for COVID-19 and people who are mildly ill can isolate at home. While at home, as much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people.
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Those who need medical attention should contact their health care provider who will evaluate whether they can be cared for at home or need to be hospitalized. You should call ahead if you need to visit a medical provider.
Upcoming Emergency Meeting
The Village Board will conduct an emergency telephonic meeting tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. to update the Village Code regarding civil emergencies and to declare a local emergency. The emergency declaration is expected to close any physical fitness facilities, recreation clubs, etc. that remain open, as well as authorize changes to the Village's purchasing and staffing policies and direct the Village administration to cooperate with other governmental agencies to address COVID-19. You can read more details on the Agenda, Minutes, Packets, and Video page. While this is a public meeting, the public is discouraged from attending in order to preserve social distance. The meeting will be videotaped lived on Lake Bluff's Channel 19. Written comments may be submitted to vlb@lakebluff.org prior to noon and will be distributed to the Trustees. |
