COVID-19 Update: Testing Update, Bend in Curve of Cases
Today Governor Pritzker shared some hopeful news, the stay at home order is showing results and we are beginning to see the start to a bend in the curve of cases. To clarify, the bend in the curve does not mean the number of cases are dropping it just means that the number of cases are beginning to level out. The Governor still cautioned the need to watch the data closely as confirmed cases and the death tolls are still coming in at a steady rate.
In an effort to reach our goal of running 10,000 tests a day, the State purchased testing equipment from a local company, Thermo Fisher, whose equipment was promised to process up to 200 tests an hour however Governor Pritzker shared yesterday that these tests have not had consistently accurate results . The good news is that although we are not at our goal we continue to increase the amount of tests we conduct daily. Only the CDC has been testing longer than the State of Illinois and the best innovators are working to make sure these machines can begin testing at their full capacity with accurate results to get us to our goal.

Illinois Department of Public Health Director, Dr. Ezike also shared insight on the State’s goal of being able to test blood samples for antibodies in individuals who were infected by COVID-19 and have recovered. This will help us determine who can donate plasma and find better treatments for those that are ill due to COVID-19 as well as expand our ability to detect the virus.

General Neely of the Illinois National Guard provided an update on the 575 guardsmen supporting COVID-19 response across the State. These guardsmen have been assisting with testing facilities across Illinois, buildout, expansion and operation of alternative sites, and assisting as medics at the Statesville facility. Illinois Air National Guard will be shipping 250 negative pressurized tents to Chicago the first of 3 deliveries across the State for individuals in need of additional isolation spaces.

The Illinois Department of Public Health has launched a breakdown of cases by counties and breakdowns by zip code as well as demographic information. IDPH is continuing to monitor hot spots across the State, as well as demographics to allow the state to ramp up testing centers in those areas and communities hardest hit. Visit their website here to learn more .

The City of Chicago's Department of Public Health has also launched a website dedicated to case counts in the city with specific demographic breakdowns here .
COVID-19 Count as of today :

1,344 new cases, 66 deaths today

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 .
Mayor Lightfoot Announcements: Transportation for those fleeing domestic violence, ends liquor sales daily at 9pm
Today Mayor Lightfoot announced an agreement between Lyft, Uber and the City of Chicago. Individuals looking for assistance in leaving their current place of residence due to domestic violence and/or human trafficking can call the State hotline and ask for transportation services. A Lyft or Uber will be dispatched at no cost. The 24/7 hotline is 1-877-TO END DV (1-877-863-6338. Read the full release here .

The Mayor also announced an order ending all liquor sales at 9pm everyday throughout the city. The Mayor has enacted this rule as an extra precaution to ensure residents are abiding by the Governor's stay at home order. View the full release here .
Chicago Public Schools: Spring break Meals
From Monday, April 6 thru Thursday April 9, families may pick up grab-and-go meals at 136 school sites across the city from 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Meal sites will not be open on Friday, April 10 to give staff members off for Good Friday, and we ask families to plan accordingly.

For the full list of meal sites open during spring break, families can visit  www.cps.edu/mealsites  or call 773-553-KIDS (5437).
Beginning Monday, April 13, more than 270 schools that have been high demand distribution sites for families will be open to provide free meals.
Food Pantries: Joint Go Fund Me by Local Legislators
A group of local legislators including myself have started a Go Fund Me to collect contributions for local food pantries. We know that in the midst of this pandemic our community food pantries are on the front lines assisting individuals and families in getting the much needed items they need. My colleagues and I are asking you to join us in this critical work to fight food insecurity. Visit our go fund me here .
Illinois Department of Employment Security: CARES Act Expansion
Our office has been fielding multiple calls and concerns from individuals having issues with filing or receiving their unemployment benefits. Below are a few tips for individuals having issues:

  • To streamline the filing process individuals should follow the guidelines on when to file, published on the IDES site here.
  • Online claim filing is encouraged due to the sheer volume of calls IDES receives daily.
  • If you are locked out of your account or having technical difficulties online we recommend you call during off peak hours before 11am or after 3pm.
  • If you do not have a valid state ID you will need to call to file your claim.
  • Once you have filed your claim and received your claim number, expect a letter by mail in 10-12 business days with a notice of decision.

IDES is actively working to implement the recently enacted federal stimulus package as it relates to unemployment benefits. This week they released guidance on what those changes are. We understand that many people are eager for information about how this will impact their current and future unemployment benefits, particularly those who have not traditionally been eligible for benefits such as independent contractors and sole proprietors. However, the stimulus package will take time to implement, and some of the unemployment benefits included do not begin immediately. We have been assured that benefits under these categories will be backdated to the date of loss employment regardless of the date of application.

The Department is asking that individuals who believe they qualify for unemployment benefits please wait to call their customer service center until the program has been fully implemented. This will allow front-line employees to process the large increase in claims for regular unemployment benefits.

Further details about these new federal programs, how to apply, and eligibility requirements will be made available as soon as they have been finalized on the IDES website.
Reporting Child Abuse
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, you should report it to the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) hotline immediately. DCFS is continuing to operate its hotline and carry out investigations. You can contact the DCFS hotline by phone at 1-800-25- ABUSE 800-252-2873 or make an online report .

DCFS and its partners that make up the entire child welfare system continue to monitor the safety of youth in care and conduct investigations when allegations of abuse and neglect are reported. When appropriate, staff are using technology to visit youth in care. This will help keep youth safe, keep the families looking after them safe, and reduce exposure for child welfare staff across the State. 
How to create your own face masks
Earlier this week the Governor encouraged individuals to wear face masks while going out to their places of employment or while making essential purchases. We now know that the virus can spread before people show symptoms (pre-symptomatic) and can also spread from individuals who have the virus but never show symptoms (asymptomatic). Due to the shortage of personal protective equipment we encourage individuals to create their own masks at home before going out. Find some helpful steps 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)