Daily COVID-19 Update: McCormick Place and Alternate Care Facilities
Today, Governor Pritzker presented his daily briefing from the newly opened alternative care facility built this week at McCormick Place and was joined by Mayor Lightfoot and the Army Corp of Engineers who helped lead the effort. They both congratulated the hardworking professionals that are helping to expand healthcare capacity in the midst of this pandemic. This first phase includes 500 beds. The McCormick Place facility will be the largest alternative healthcare facility in the state and will have 3,000 beds by the end of the month. Vibra Hospital in Springfield will also be undergoing construction to serve as an alternate site.

These sites will not be primary service sites for individuals to walk into for healthcare assistance. Individuals should continue to call their primary care provider first. If directed to by your physician, visit their local healthcare facility first. If they are in need of a bed and their hospital has been inundated by COVID-19 cases, they may be transferred to one of these alternative care facilities.
Pictured above: McCormick Place currently under construction with the first 500 beds in place.



The Governor reported that out of 28,000 hospital beds across state 41% of these beds remain available. Across the state there are 2,680 ICU beds slightly over 800 or 29% of these are available. This is a lower available number for this time of year compared to prior years. We know that capacity will become an issue as cases increase and that is why alternative care sites are vital to supporting our healthcare system.

Mayor Lightfoot also shared that 425 rooms have been set aside in the City of Chicago at London House and Godfrey Hotel for healthcare providers and first responders who may need a place to stay instead of going home and placing their families at risk.
COVID-19 Count as of today :

64 out of 102 counties in the state have a confirmed case

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 .
Business Funds: Payment Protection Program Applications & Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund Open
  • The Paycheck Protection Loan is a small business loan targeted for businesses to meet payroll needs during this pandemic. The application officially opened today, to learn more visit the Small Business Administration's website. For details on the program you can also view a summary of the program here.

  • Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund applications have also now opened, visit their website here.
Illinois Department of Human Services: Domestic Violence
For individuals experiencing domestic violence the stay at home order may be an even scarier and dreaded time but the Governor reiterated this week that you are not alone. The Department of Human Services has allocated new monies to expand the programs and shelters needed across the state to assist individuals living in a space that is unsafe . Through partnerships with local Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention (DVPI) agencies. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence please call the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-877-863-6338
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services: Emergency Childcare
As shared in previous newsletters under Governor Prizker's executive order all non emergency day cares were ordered to close. Below is a chart for day care providers. For more information or for details on how to apply to be an emergency day care visit the FAQ page here .

Parents and guardians in need of emergency childcare assistance can call the State hotline 888-228-1146.
Illinois Department of Revenue: Estimated Payments
As announced last week, due to COVID-19 the tax filing and payment deadline was extended to July 15. The Department of Revenue has since published further guidance on estimated payments. Read the full bulletin here .
Spring Break: School Lunch Meals
Spring break is due to begin Monday, April 6 and while our hope is that students will stay home during this time we understand during this pandemic it may be more difficult for parents and guardians to secure meals. CPS has announced that they will still be providing meals to students during the next two weeks and have shared information about meal sites on their website . Locations will be consolidated, to find a grab and go meal site near you visit their interactive map locator here .
Aids Foundation of Chicago: HIV/PrEP/Financial Assistance
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)