![Joint Statement Regarding COVID-19 from the McLean County Administrator and McLean County Clerk](https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2133/files/2020/02/coronavirus.jpg)
Out of an abundance of caution concerning Coronavirus (COVID-19), the McLean County Board voted this evening to relocate two polling sites from long term care facilities to alternate locations.
Voters using Evergreen Place Senior Living in Precinct 10 will vote at a site to be determined. Voters using the McLean County Nursing Home in Precinct 21 will vote at the Fairview Family Aquatic Center at 801 N. Main Street, Normal, Illinois. All affected voters will receive a new voter card and a letter which indicates their new polling place for the Tuesday, March 17, 2020 primary.
McLean County Clerk Kathy Michael stated, “We are all looking after the best interests of those persons who may be most at-risk and respect and understand their requests for these moves. We also appreciate the public’s understanding of this current health concern for so many.”
Because COVID-19 spreads similarly to the flu, we encourage the public to practice every day preventative measures like frequent hand-washing (minimum of 20 seconds), disinfecting frequently-touched surfaces, avoid sharing foods or drinks, staying home when sick, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth and cover your coughs and sneezes.
Prevention is the key. By adding a few good health practices, you can dramatically increase your odds of staying healthy; however, this may not prevent all transmissions of COVID-19.
The Illinois Department of Public Health has set up a hotline (1-800-889-3931) and email address (DPH.SICK@ILLINOIS.GOV) that are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week to answer the public’s questions about COVID-19.
Patients who get sick with COVID-19 develop mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms developing within 2-14 days after exposure:
- fever
- cough
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Many common illnesses can cause these same symptoms. Individuals who have these symptoms and have traveled to areas where community transmission of COVID-19 is occurring or have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 should call ahead to a health care professional before seeking medical care.
This is a rapidly changing situation and staff at the McLean County Health Department are working with other community health partners to implement measures to reduce the spread of the virus as the state anticipates more COVID- 19 cases.
The McLean County Health Department will share resources and make regular updates on their social media at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/McLeanHealth/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/McLeanHealth And our website https://health.mcleancountyil.gov/708/CORONAVIRUS-COVID for daily updates.