BEWARE – COVID IS STILL AMONG US!
Elizabeth Patton-Whiteside, RN, BSN, MBA
Public Health Administrator

I know that you are tired of hearing the same thing over and over again.  There is no other way to say this but COVID HAS NOT GONE AWAY!  In fact, it on the rise!  For example, last week, East Side Health District conducted 400 COVID tests in the Test to Stay Program through School District 189 to try and keep contacts of positive students in school safely.  In addition to that, we conducted 535 COVID tests at our Washinton Park facility with 23 positive cases found.  Now couple that with 54 positive cases that we received over the weekend from various reporting agencies within our jurisdiction.  If you add that up, it comes to 73 positive cases within a seven (7) day time span!  And you thought that COVID was gone!!!

Come on people wake up!  Stop falling for the myths and misinformation that you are getting on Face Book Tik Tok or word of mouth from your “friends”.  Get vaccinated people!  Get your vaccine booster if you are eligible.  I am not saying that the vaccine will prevent you from getting COVID.  I am saying that it will prevent you from being one of the people in the hospital and on a breathing machine.  It lessens your chance of getting the virus.

I know that you are going to get together for the holidays with your family and friends.  To say don’t do it is unrealistic.  We are social people and love to congregate especially with family during the holiday season.  I am asking you to be responsible when you get together – GET VACCINATED! GET YOUR BOOSTER!

I know that you are not going to wear a mask around the family and friends, although you should. GET VACCINATED! GET YOUR BOOSTER!

I know that you are not going to socially distance yourself from family and friends, although you should. GET VACCINATED! GET YOUR BOOSTER!

Don’t be the relative after the holidays that is crying because you are sick, your relatives are sick and one of you dies due to COVID.  Do everything possible to protect yourself and your loved ones from this dreadful virus.  GET VACCINATED! GET YOUR BOOSTER!

You know what you need to do to stay healthy and prevent the spread of COVID.

DO IT NOW!  TOMMOROW MAY BE TOO LATE!  GET VACCINATED! GET YOUR BOOSTER!

To Our Clients and Guests,

As we continue to feel the increased impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic on our community, East Side Health District feels that it is important to update you regarding the steps that we are taking to assist you in staying safe and healthy.

We are now moving into the vaccination phase of the COVID-19 protocols set forth by the Illinois Department of Public Health.  This will be done in an orderly manner in various phases.  Below are the phases and who should be designated in the appropriate phase for vaccination:

Due to the large number of individuals who require vaccination and the necessary precautions associated with the vaccine, you will be vaccinated via appointment only!  Please call 618-271-8722 ext. 260 to be placed on the appropriate schedule.  You will be called, emailed or texted on the available date for your appointment.  Please be respectful and patient.  We will work as quickly as possible to honor your request.

Your health and safety are our number one priority.  The ESHD Board of Health is urging everyone to heed Governor Pitzer’s Executive Orders regarding the Coronavirus Pandemic.  We provide guidance but ultimately it is up to you to help yourselves stay healthy.

Thank you in advance for your patience as we navigate these uncertain times.  Our aim is to serve and protect you all.

Respectfully,

Elizabeth Patton-Whiteside, RN, BN, MBA
Public Health Administrator

COVID-19 Food Ordinance

Grocery Stores, convenience stores and food service facilities with self-serve items.

In response to the COVID-19, we are wanting to clarify the guidance that you have received concerning the food and beverages you can provide during this time.

In an effort to maximize social distancing and restrict where people can gather, to stop or slow the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) or other infectious diseases in the communities we are informing you that self-service items, including items on roller grills, salad bars, fresh food bars that are not prepackaged should not be available for the customer to serve themselves. It is also recommended that self-service fountain soda and coffee are to be prohibited at this time. It is recommended that roller grill items be removed from the grill by an employee and the prepared sandwich be handed to the customer.

The Executive Order does limit gatherings to no more than ten people and requires distancing. If you are going to continue to allow self-service at the fountain soda station, every effort to maintain the 6-foot separation between customers be followed, as well as increased sanitation of the area. Again, it is recommended that self-service, fountain coffee and soda not be used due to the potential of the virus to live on inanimate objects for up to 48 hours. It is recommended that an employee fill cups and make sandwiches rather than allow self-service.

Foods that are pre-packaged and available for purchase (like rotisserie chicken and packages of deli sides) remain acceptable options for purchase.

We appreciate your cooperation and interest in protecting the public health. Should you have any questions or need additional information during these changing recommendations, please contact East Side Health District, Environmental Programs Division at 618-271-8722 Ext. 538.