We’ve updated this post countless times since the start of the global pandemic of COVID-19. We certainly didn’t plan to be facing an increase in rates nine months into the pandemic! This post is meant to be a continual resource for our community. We appreciate your input and shared tips as we continue to work together to slow the spread of this virus.
Here are websites we rely on:
Effective November 20, 2020 at 12:01am. The new mitigation requirements to combat the surge of COVID-19 across Illinois can be found here https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/restore-illinois-mitigation-plan
- (IDPH) Illinois Department of Public Health
- Sangamon County Department of Health
- Current List of COVID Testing Sites
- (CDC) Center for Disease Control
- Travel Recommendations from the CDC
Resources:
Are you experiencing symptoms or worried you’ve been exposed? If so, you can call the IDPH Hotline or your primary care provider. The Sangamon County Dept. of Public Health COVID-19 Phone Line 217-371-2606 (Monday-Friday 8a,-4:30pm) will assess your risk and advise of next steps. The guidelines are continually moving so expect the protocols to change over time.
- The IDPH hotline is 800-889-3931.
- State of Illinois Child Care Search – Illinois health care workers who need child care search
- Springfield YMCA Emergency Child Care Request Form
- Illinois Department of Human Services has launched a support line for Illinois citizens. It is called Call4Calm that is reachable via text. Individuals who want to speak with a mental health professional can text the word “TALK” or “HABLAR” (for Spanish speakers) to 552-020. Within 24 hours, the individual will receive a call from a mental health professional employed by a local community health center. People can also text other terms, like “unemployment” or “food” or “shelter” to the same number to receive information on how to navigate and access supports and services. Call4Calm is free, and individuals who use it can remain anonymous.
- Emotional Support Line (ESL) from Memorial Behavioral Health (217) 588-5509 Open to everyone, even if you’re not an MBH patient.
Staying Safe:
Wearing a mask and social distancing is best for everyone! Continue to reduce your social circle. Stay at home with your families to slow down the spread of disease allowing the health care system to more readily care for patients over time. On a positive note, we’re seeing many images of family members playing games, playing outside, enjoying meals at home and making new memories they wouldn’t normally have time for.
We all know to wash our hands repeatedly and don’t touch our face. Simple task, effective results. We’re sanitizing our homes regularly and ensuring that we have supplies on hand to stay at home.
Baby Shark Hand-washing Video to share with your little ones. PBS Video for How to talk about the coronavirus.
Food and Supplies: Please respect the new designated senior shopping hours established at area grocery stores to help seniors stay safe and get their essential household items with less crowds of people.
Check your local school district website for updates regarding free meals for kids while our schools have transferred to remote or hybrid learning. Everyone is doing their part to ensure kids receive their meals! There’s a Facebook page where locals are offering to help each other out. Springfield Families Helping Families. If you need help, you can post or message people directly.
They’ve added a list of area micro-pantries where you can take what you need and leave what you can for another!
Chatham 501 W. Mulberry (Chatham VFW Hall)
Downtown Springfield 422 S. 5th St. (sidewalk in front of Bell Building/Dept. of Public Health)
Lanphier High School (North End of Springfield) 1300 N. 11th St. Northeast corner of the school, off of Converse.)
Riverton 841 N. 3rd St. (Riverton High School, by front door) Donation drop-off: Riverton Party Store, 713 N. 7th St.)
Springfield Southeast High School 2350 E. Ash St.
Washington Middle School 2300 E. Jackson (near front door)
West Side Springfield 1501 S. MacArthur Blvd. (Capital City Property Management, behind building)
Staying Active and Engaged
We’re keeping our lengthy list of At-Home Activities updated and sharing new ideas from our readers.- Kidzeum is offering free elearning activities while they are closed temporarily. Build a DIY Bird Feeder, and links to virtual tours and online fun.
- Illinois State Museum has some online resources to keep us busy.
- SIU Center for Family Medicine developed a kit full of fun ideas at home and a recipe for bleach wipes for sanitizing. Access the COVID FAMILY SURVIVAL KIT
Lincoln Library Online resources are are still available. If you don’t yet have a library card, you can sign up online!
Chatham Area Public Library Online resources are still available. Due dates have been extended. Watch the library’s Facebook page for live online story times. If you don’t yet have a library card, you can sign up online!
All performances and large events at the Hoogland Center for the Arts and UIS Performing Arts have been cancelled or postponed.
Meals: Delivery-Drive-Through and Curbside Pick Up
We’re all sad to see indoor dining take another pause. Support local businesses by ordering take-out and delivery of your favorites. Here’s a list of carryout places year-round, but please note many local restaurants have joined in for curbside carryout during this time even if they don’t have a drive through window, so call your favorite local place and ask! 
When you need some fresh air, social distance outside area parks, bike trails, are a good respite to relax and refresh during this time. Practice social distancing and breathe in the beauty of the outdoors even as the temperatures cool down.
- Bike, Hike & Area Park Fun
- Tips for Area Parks and Trails
- SpringfieldMoms Public Parks Directory
- Lincoln Memorial Gardens the hiking trails remain open, but the Nature Center is closed.
Please share your suggestions and additional resources that can help area readers during this time. Email to springfieldmoms.org@gmail.com or message us on facebook.
See all our COVID-19 Resources here.
