For Release: Nov. 17, 2020
Contact:
Tom Hughes
Executive Director, IPHA
217-522-5687
thughes@ipha.com
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA) released the following statement on Tuesday:
“On behalf of the 88 certified local health departments our association represents, we stand in support of these new mitigation efforts put in place and strongly recommend that all those who are able to, stay home as much as possible. Our state is facing a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases, which are beginning to strain the demands placed on hospitals, healthcare workers and those charged with protecting the public health, including members of our association. Since the start of October, new COVID-19 cases are up 379%, the number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 has increased by 157%, and those requiring a ventilator has climbed by 146%. These alarming numbers show that something must be done immediately to protect the health of the public and prevent our hospitals and care providers from being overwhelmed to the point they are unable to care for new patients.
“As frontline defenders of the public’s health, we have a responsibility to speak up in critical times when the health and safety of millions of Illinoisans is put at risk. We strongly support these new mitigation efforts that will help stop future transmission of COVID-19 and ultimately save many lives across our state. Tough decisions must be made that are based in science, and it is now more important than ever to have leadership that is willing to make the difficult choices to stop COVID-19 from ravaging our communities and bringing our hospitals to the point of exhaustion. We strongly encourage members of the public to support these efforts and stay home when possible to help keep all Illinois residents safe.”
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