Volume XIII, Issue XXVIII - March 2020

From:

Danielle L. Kirby, Director

Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Corona Virus Information and Resources

With recent developments regarding COVID-19 (the 2019 novel Coronavirus), the Department of Human Services is closely monitoring the situation and we are taking guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH): http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus. Secretary Hou released the attached letter last week, including best-practice preventative safety measures and referenced our process and procedures to keep our partners healthy.

The COVID-19 is believed to be spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, much in the way influenza and other respiratory viruses spread. Because of this, individuals are encouraged to follow these common-sense practices:

  • Wash hands regularly for at least 20 seconds using soap and water.
  • Avoid the touching of eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Staff are asked to stay home if they exhibit flu-like symptoms (e.g. fever, coughing, shortness of breath).
  • Cover mouth and nose with the inside of the arm or with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue away immediately. Wash hands as soon as possible afterwards.

Earlier this week, Governor Pritzker declared a disaster proclamation Monday over the coronavirus outbreak (https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/this-is-what-the-illinois-disaster-proclamation-means/2233876/).

Our office has received questions about caring for patients and staff in residential and recovery home settings, as well as opioid treatment programs who often see patients on a daily basis. In addition to the general resources provided above, the following resources are available for these specific settings:

Residential Facilities/Recovery Homes:

Guidance from IDPH for Long Term Care (LTC) Facilities: http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus/long-term-care-guidance.

Recorded webinar: https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/lsr.php?RCID=93ffb4347384747a60c59c1c4508e67e.

Opioid Treatment Programs: Please visit the following resource from SAMHSA/CSAT: https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/statutes-regulations-guidelines/covid-19-guidance-otp.