For the most up to date information, please go to vrf.us/coronavirus.
UPDATE: March 16, 2020 - Please click below for a Special E-News Message from the Village President, Catherine Adduci, Regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19)
March 16, 2020 Special E-News
UPDATE: March 12, 2020 - Please click below for a Special E-News Message from the Village President, Catherine Adduci, Regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19)
March 12, 2020 Special E-News
The Village of River Forest is working with local officials and community partners to monitor the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Coronavirus is a new respiratory virus identified in December 2019. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, that include the common cold to more serious diseases such as pneumonia.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), the current health risk to the general public from COVID-19 remains low, both in the United States and in Illinois. The goal of the ongoing public health response is to detect new cases quickly and prevent community spread of COVID-19.
The potential spread of the virus in our area is low, but preparedness remains high. The Village of River Forest Village President Adduci participated in a conference call with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and over 100 other local mayors and leaders to discuss the current impact of COVID-19 and the steps that have been taken to limit its spread. Community leaders, healthcare professionals, public agencies and others, from the federal to the local levels, have all come together to keep our communities safe. We are also working together with other River Forest taxing bodies (D90, Library, Township, Park District) and our first responders to continue to monitor this situation and are prepared to respond if needed. The Village’s first responders and leaders participate in training within River Forest and with surrounding agencies on a regular basis and have emergency operations plans in place.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
People who get sick with COVID-19 develop mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms including fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Illness can begin 2 to 14 days after an exposure. Although this virus likely emerged from an animal source, it can also spread from person-to-person. Spread from one person to another is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Typically, with most respiratory viruses, people are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic.
What are preventative measures that can be taken?
We ask for your continued partnership in preventing the spread of coronavirus by following these safety tips:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing and certainly if your commute includes public transit.
- Stay home when you are sick and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Are there additional resources available?
You can find more facts, updates, and information on COVID-19, including symptoms and transmission of the virus, at the following links:
To receive up-to-date information, you can: