FREEPORT, ILLINOIS — Concern and precaution over COVID-19 has some Freeport area non-profits suspending programs and closing down activities. This article has been updated to reflect additional news from FHN.
On Wednesday, the Freeport Salvation Army said in press release they will be suspending their congregate meal and gathering programs until “more favorable directions are received from the Governor’s office.” Governor JB Pritzker office released recommendations from the Illinois Department of Aging (IDOA) to suspend congregate gatherings throughout the state of Illinois.
On Monday, March 9, 2020, Governor JB Pritzker declared a state of emergency based on new guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and evidence emerging across other countries and throughout the United States.
Golden Meals Director, Diane Randecker assures the public that meals will still be available, despite the suspension of their congregate meal and gathering programs. Meals can be picked up at a Golden Meals Meal site or with 24 hour notice have the meal delivered to their home. Box and hot lunches will be supplied at the current locations for pick up only. The current delivery of Golden Meals will not change and will continue as normal.
Also on Wednesday the Senior Resource Center closed its Activity Center and cancelled all activities within because of the risk of COVID-19. The Senior Resource Center said the closure will remain in effect until further notice. They said for now the other services offered through the center remain unaffected and that Pretzel City Area Transit continues to operate with extra disinfection of vehicles.
On January 30, 2020, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a “public health emergency of international concernexternal icon” (PHEIC). On January 31, 2020, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar II declared a public health emergency (PHE) for the United States to aid the nation’s healthcare community in responding to COVID-19. On March 11, 2020 WHO publiclyexternal icon characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic.
FHN: Due to the decision by Golden Meals to temporarily halt dining service at its Freeport location due to concerns related to the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) outbreak, all FHN Top50 blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol screenings held at the Golden Meals location have been cancelled until further notice. All FHN locations, including FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport, remain OPEN.
For more information and the latest updates from FHN and local and regional experts on the COVID-19 virus, visit www.fhn.org/coronavirus.asp.
For more information on COVID-19 visit the CDC’s website here.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
See also FHN Issues Guidance on COVID-19
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