Update January 20, 2021: Following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), President Joe Biden has issued a federal mask mandate. The executive order requires everyone working at or visiting federal lands or a federal facility to wear a mask. The goal of the executive order is to limit the spread of the coronavirus strains that cause COVID-19.
People in Illinois that plan on visiting post offices, federal courthouses, federal offices, and national parks will be required to wear a mask. Furthermore, Illinois residents that plan on doing any interstate travel by airplane, bus, train, or other public transportation option will be required to wear a mark.
Update January 14, 2021: Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady and Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that the city is moving into the next phase of its COVID-19 vaccination plan. Initially, vaccines were made available to healthcare and frontline workers. The next phase starts on January 18 and allows vaccinations for those over the age of 65. If you’re interested in making an appointment for the vaccine, please register at Chi Covid Coach.
Update November 12, 2020: Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has issued a stay-at-home advisory in light of the rapid increase of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the city. She urged Chicagoans to:
- Stay at home, unless essential needs arise
- Stop having guests over, including family you do not live with
- Avoid non-essential travel
- Cancel traditional Thanksgiving plans
The COVID-19 disease has infected 1,285 people in Illinois, as of March 23, 2020. If global patterns hold, the number will rapidly increase in the weeks to come. To help prevent the spread of the coronavirus strain that causes COVID-19, the White House has recommended avoiding social gatherings of more than 10 people.
With abundant fear, uncertainty, and misinformation spreading throughout Chicago and the surrounding areas, it’s important to be prepared for the weeks to come. To help you and your loved ones stay safe, Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys offers the following Chicago COVID-19 safety tips.
Be Careful at Groceries and Big Box Stores
Many people are “panic buying” as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. This, unfortunately, brings out bad behavior in some people. They’re in such a hurry to stock up on food and supplies that they dismiss common courtesy.
Pushing, shoving, and being negligent with products at groceries or big box stores is common. Many stores are in disarray, with products littering or spilled onto aisles. Keep a careful eye on floors in order to avoid a bad trip or a slip-and-fall accident.
After you’ve made your purchase, keep a careful eye on cars as you make your way back to your vehicle. Some drivers may be too self-absorbed to pay proper attention, which could lead to a pedestrian accident.
Similarly, people are often rushed and driving panicked in store parking lots. Drive slowly when entering a parking lot and searching for a spot, so as to avoid a car accident.
Chicago COVID-19 Safety Tip Resources
In highly abnormal and volatile situations, it’s extremely important to stay well informed. There is a lot of misinformation spreading about the latest coronavirus strain and COVID-19. It’s vital to get correct information from trusted sources. Here are global, national, and local resources recommended by Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys.
- White House’s Plan to Beat COVID-19
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Illinois Department of Public Health
- Illinois State Board of Education
- Cook County Government
- Cook County School District
If you hear any new information that sounds suspect, please check with one of the sources above. Be especially careful of information circulating on social media; the sources may be untrustworthy. Please count on state and local officials to serve the community to the best of their abilities.
Beware of COVID-19 Scams
There are, sadly, opportunists that are taking advantage of the fear and uncertainty introduced by the current coronavirus pandemic. Some people ask money for causes that may seem worthwhile at a glance, but are just profiteering schemes. Unscrupulous companies may try to sell “cures” or fake medicine to treat coronavirus.
While a COVID-19 vaccine is currently being developed, it will be some time before it’s available. Government officials have estimated between 12 to 18 months. To help avoid COVID-19 scams, the Better Business Bureau has set up a tips page.
Contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys
The team at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys hopes that all of our clients, families, and friends stay well and safe during the coronavirus pandemic. Please follow all federal and state guidelines. Should you or a loved one suffer a personal injury, be assured that our attorneys and staff remain dedicated to serving you.
As always, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can call us at 708-221-8079 or reach us through the Internet via LiveChat and secure online form. Please take care of yourself and your family.