Daily COVID-19 Update: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
In the Governor's daily briefing he provided updates on the status of the State's efforts to obtain much needed personal protective equipment (PPE). The Federal Government through the Strategic National Stockpile has sent over 367,795 masks, 1,141,000 surgical masks, 693,000 gloves, 174,000 face shields, 142,000 surgical gowns and 4,000 coveralls. This is a fraction of what the administration has requested and what is also needed. The Governor reported that the State's 10-day PPE burn rate is just under 1.5 million N95 masks, 25 million gloves, 4.4 million gowns and 700,000 surgical masks, these numbers only reflect distribution of PPE to our hospitals, long term care facilities, law enforcement, first responders and essential State workers.

The State continues its effort to meet these needs by working with private sector companies such as General Motors and Ford Motors in creating agreements for other much needed items such as ventilators. For inquires on donating PPE please email ppe.donations@illinois.gov learn more by visiting their website here .

While there is no order to wear a mask the Governor is encouraging individuals that do go out to make essential purchases or report to their essential jobs to wear masks. He also advised that when the weather warms up individuals need to abide by the stay at home order and maintain social distancing efforts while going out for walks.

Unlike the Federal Government, the Illinois Department of Public Health does provide data based on demographics on COVID-19 infections and deaths. As reported in a recent WBEZ article African Americans are disproportionately making up 70% of COVID-19 related deaths. Dr. Ezike has said that updated demographic data on COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and deaths will be discussed in tomorrow’s update.
COVID-19 Count as of today :

1,006 new cases today, 307 deaths

The Illinois Department of Public has launched a breakdown of cases by counties and breakdowns by zip code. Visit their website here to learn more .


If you have questions related to COVID-19 you can contact the Illinois Department of Public Health :
Hotline : 800-889-3931
Email : dph.sick@illinois.gov

City of Chicago's Department of Public Health :
Hotline : 312-746-4835
Email : coronavirus@chicago.gov

You can sign up to get updates from the City of Chicago's Department of Public Health here .
Jordan Community School: Closed Meal Site
Jordan Community School has closed as a meal site until further notice. Changes to meal sites may happen for several reasons:
  • Community needs for nutrition support may change
  • Sites may merge to cover unexpected staffing demands or absences
  • A school may need to undergo special cleaning or repairs
  • Equipment may need to be serviced or replaced
  • A school may need to undergo a COVID-19 or other public health investigation
Families may go to New Field at 1707 W Morse Ave . to pick up grab-and-go meals over spring break. To find the closest meal site to you, please visit cps.edu/mealsites .

Illinois Department of Human Services: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
As we shared in previous newsletters SNAP benefits are due to dramatically increase in April and May due to COVID-19. Please view chart below. For those that are currently receiving benefits, no change is necessary for you to receive these added benefits. We encourage all individuals who believe they are eligible to create an account and apply here or ca ll 1-800-843-6154. Visit the DHS website to use their calculator to see if you and your family would qualify for assistance here .
Illinois Department of Child and Family Services: Update from the Director
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and over the weekend DCFS' Acting Director Marc Smith, provided an update on the steps DCFS is taking to care for our youth in foster care. To highlight a few key points:
  • Increased supplemental income for having children home due to COVID-19
  • 20% increase to agencies to maintain staffing ratios for services
  • Increased protective gear for staff
  • Surveying the needs of students to participate in remote learning by providing them with laptops and other resources
Illinois Department of Revenue: Canceling Payments
Last week the DOR announced that tax filing and payment deadline would extended to July 15. On Friday, they released guidance for individuals that had scheduled payments. Payments that have already been scheduled need to be cancelled for those who no longer wish to pay by April 15. To learn more read the full bulletin here .
Legal Aid Chicago Assistance: Employment/Health Info/Food Access/Debt/Housing/Domestic Violence
Legal Aid Chicago has an assortment of helpful information on their website available in English and Spanish. Their information covers questions like who may and may not be entitled to paid sick leave, Federal and State unemployment benefits, health benefits that are available for those uninsured and more. You can learn more by visiting their website here , or call their intake line 312-341-1070
Resources for Undocumented/Spanish Speaking Individuals
  • The CDC has now dedicated a page on their website Spanish. To access the website please visit Centros Para El Control De Enfermedades.
  • Protecting Immigrant Families Illinois (PIFI-IL) has released a fact sheet on how to access medical care if you or a loved one is subject to the Public Charge rule that was implemented in February.
  • During the COVID-19 Pandemic all Illinois residents will have the same access to healthcare whether undocumented or documented. For more information click here.
  • ICIRR has released a guide for immigrants in Illinois with resources for housing, healthcare, legal, food security and emergency fund resources.
  • DACA, TPS and other immigrants are eligible for Unemployment benefits as long a they have proper work authorization and records for the time stated. For more information please click here.
  • A list of Healthcare Clinics in Chicago that provide care for free or low cost regardless of Immigration status.
Local Highlight: Koval Distillery Creates Hand Sanitizer
Koval is a local distillery located in Andersonville that focuses on organic whiskey, liqueurs and specialty spirits that has re-purposed their capabilities to create much needed sanitizer. They have donated 270 gallons of sanitizer to non for profits who then give them to individuals in need throughout the city. Read the full story here . You can assist in their efforts by visiting their gofund me page here .
Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy
State Representative, 14th District

Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

5533 N Broadway

Chicago IL 60640
773-784-2002(phone)
773-784-2060(fax)