Serving Working Families Everyday
March 25, 2020
Garcia, Welch, Willis Urge Governor Pritzker to Reopen Westlake Hospital
MELROSE PARK, Ill. – Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García, D-IL-04, State Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch, D-Westchester, and state Rep. Kathleen Willis, D-Northlake, released the following statement seeking the expeditious consideration from Governor Pritzker to reopen Westlake Hospital in Melrose Park. 

"As leaders in the State of Illinois during this challenging health crisis, it is our duty to do all that we can to protect the health and safety of all of our residents. We strongly encourage the careful and expeditious consideration of Gov. Pritzker to reopen Westlake Hospital in Melrose Park to help provide additional medical resources and services to our neighbors who need it most. 

"We now know the COVID-19 pandemic has long-term implications for all of us. We also know that it will continue to put a major strain on our health care facilities and their ability to properly treat all patients that need care. It is projected that our existing hospitals will soon be overcrowded, and it is imperative to expand the access to medical services for patients with COVID-19 as well as other individuals seeking medical attention. We strongly believe that re-opening Westlake Hospital, even with a limited capacity, will have a positive impact in our region as our state advances to meet the growing demands of this pandemic.

"We commend Gov. Pritzker for his outstanding leadership during this challenging time and for the bold and innovative actions he has initiated to protect the public health of our communities and healthcare workers, including enlisting the help of the Illinois National Guard. We ask for his careful and expeditious consideration to build on those actions to use the National Guard's assistance to reopen Westlake Hospital. We stand with Gov. Pritzker in this fight to protect all Illinoisans against the spread of COVID-19, and we remain committed to doing our part to keep our communities safe and healthy."
For more information, or to submit your idea contact Welch's district office at 708-450-1000 or  [email protected] .
My Fellow Illinoisans,

Over the past few months we have seen the spread of the Coronavirus, with at least 1,535 confirmed cases here in Illinois and 16 deaths. In an attempt to communicate accurate information, the information included in this email are directly from the City of Chicago and State of Illinois governments. We are also including a link to the state's new website, Coronavirus.Illinois.gov . Please share, stay safe and be well.

What is the Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people, and others that circulate among animal, including camels, cats, and bats. Rarely animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then spread between people.

Human coronaviruses are common throughout the world and commonly cause mild to moderate illness in people worldwide. However, the emergence of novel (new) coronaviruses, such as SARS and MERS, have been associated with more severe respiratory illness.

Symptoms
Common human coronaviruses usually cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold. These illnesses usually only last for a short amount of time. Symptoms may include

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

Human coronaviruses can sometimes cause lower-respiratory tract illnesses, such as pneumonia or bronchitis.

How does it spread?
Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through

  • the air by coughing and sneezing
  • close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
  • touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands
  • rarely, fecal contamination

Prevention
The following can help prevent the spread of coronaviruses and protect yourself from becoming infected.

  • wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
  • avoid close contact with people who are sick

There are currently no vaccines to protect against human coronavirus infection.

Treatment
There are no specific treatments. To help relieve symptoms. People sick with COVID-19 should receive supportive care from a health care professional. Supportive care means care to help relieve symptoms; for example, medicine to bring down fevers, or oxygen if a patient’s oxygen level is low.

  • take pain and fever medications
  • drink plenty of liquids
  • stay home and rest

Do I need to wear a mask?
CDPH does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

What affect does this have on travel?
The U.S. government has taken unprecedented steps with respect to travel in response to the growing public health threat posed by this new coronavirus:
  • Foreign nationals who have been in China or Iran within the past 14 days cannot enter the United States.
  • U.S. citizens, residents, and their immediate family members who have been in China or Iran within in the past 14 days can enter the United States, but they are subject to health monitoring and possible quarantine for up to 14 days.
  • On March 11, a similar policy was expanded to include 26 European countries for a period of 30 days.
  • On March 14, a similar policy was issued to include the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
  • On March 8, CDC recommended that people at higher risk of serious COVID-19 illness avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
  • Additionally, CDC has issued the following additional specific travel guidance related to COVID-19.

What are CDC recommendations?
Everyone can do their part to help us respond to this emerging public health threat:
  • Individuals and communities should familiarize themselves with recommendations to protect themselves and their communities from getting and spreading respiratory illnesses like COVID-19.
  • Older people and people with severe chronic conditions should take special precautions because they are at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness.
  • If you are a healthcare provider, use your judgment to determine if a patient has signs and symptoms compatible with COVID-19 and whether the patient should be tested. Factors to consider in addition to clinical symptoms may include:
  • Does the patient have recent travel from an affected area?
  • Has the patient been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 or with patients with pneumonia of unknown cause?
  • Does the patient reside in an area where there has been community spread of COVID-19?
  • If you are a healthcare provider or a public health responder caring for a COVID-19 patient, please take care of yourself and follow recommended infection control procedures.
  • If you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19 and develop symptoms of COVID-19, call your healthcare provider and tell them about your symptoms and your exposure. They will decide whether you need to be tested, but keep in mind that there is no treatment for COVID-19 and people who are mildly ill are able to isolate at home.
  • If you are a resident in a community where there is ongoing spread of COVID-19 and you develop COVID-19 symptoms, call your healthcare provider and tell them about your symptoms. They will decide whether you need to be tested, but keep in mind that there is no treatment for COVID-19 and people who are mildly ill are able to isolate at home.

For people who are ill with COVID-19, but are not sick enough to be hospitalized, please follow  CDC guidance on how to reduce the risk of spreading your illness to others . People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able  to isolate at home during their illness .

If you have been in China or another affected area or have been exposed to someone sick with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, you will face  some limitations on your movement and activity .  Please follow instructions during this time . Your cooperation is integral to the ongoing public health response to try to slow spread of this virus.
Read more about Coronavirus below:
Here’s what’s happening Wednesday with COVID-19 in the Chicago area
The coronavirus outbreak could have caused  Illinois hospitals to run out of beds  in about a week if the current stay-at-home order were not in place, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Tuesday at his daily news briefing, citing state projections.
Joint Statement from Depository Institutions Regarding Coronavirus Situation
The Illinois Bankers Association, Community Bankers Association of Illinois, and Illinois Credit Union League collectively represent your Illinois depository institutions, including commercial banks, thrift institutions, and credit unions.
Talking Survival Tips with Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch
Watch every episode on YouTube.com .
COVID-19 Response: Economic Assistance for Illinois Families
In order to combat #COVID19, all bars & restaurants in Illinois will close for on-site consumption, starting at 9 p.m. on Monday, March 16 through March 30. 

During this time, customers may order food for delivery or takeout.
Grab & Go Breakfast & Lunch: March 16-March 30
District 209 will provide free meals during mandated school closures for school aged children 18 and under. Families can pick up meals at nearest PTHS D209 school. Details below.
HB3904, The Student-Athlete Endorsement Act, Stalled in Senate
We will continue to fight for this bill and press for a vote when the assembly convenes in January. Thank you for your support!
Postponed: Applying For Capital Grants Town Hall Meeting
With State Representative Emanuel "Chris" Welch and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. For more information, please contact Rep. Welch's constituent service office at 708-450-1000 or [email protected] .

Wednesday, April 8, 2020
6 PM - 7:30 PM

Westchester Village Hall
10300 W. Roosevelt Rd., Westchester, IL
Cancelled: Legislative Breakfast
Our legislators will provide information with participants on the latest legislative issues confronting business from Washington, D.C., the state of Illinois, Cook county, and the village of Bellwood.

Thursday, April 9, 2020
9 AM

Bellwood Village Hall
3200 Washington Blvd., Bellwood, IL
Postponed: Applying For Capital Grants Town Hall Meeting
With State Representative Emanuel "Chris" Welch and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. For more information, please contact Rep. Welch's constituent service office at 708-450-1000 or [email protected] .

Tuesday, April 14, 2020
6 PM - 7:30 PM

Bellwood Village Hall
3200 Washington Blvd., Bellwood, IL
Meet State Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch
Did you know he has a dog named Rico? Get to know Rep. Welch!
Stay Connected - Follow @RepChrisWelch
Follow Representative Welch on Facebook @RepChrisWelch and tune in to his weekly Conversation at the Capitol.
What Can State Representative Emanuel "Chris" Welch do for you?
Rep. Welch's office can assist you in navigating a wide variety of state services and offers several events year round.

Call Rep. Welch's Full-Time Constituent Service Office at 708-450-1000 to learn more. 
Congratulations, Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch!
State Representative Emanuel "Chris" Welch was named Legislator of the Year by The Illinois Association of Park Districts.
State Representative Emanuel "Chris" Welch was awarded the prestigious Friend of Education Award from the Illinois Education Association, Illinois' largest teachers union.
State Representative Emanuel "Chris" Welch was named one of Chicago's Leading Lawyers by the Law Bulletin News Media, an honor given after being selected by his peers and only given to 5% of lawyers in the State of Illinois!
State Representative, D-7th Emanuel "Chris" Welch
708-450-1000 | 708-450-1104 fax