Click here for MARCH 17 DIGEST.
Champaign-Urbana Coronavirus Updates: March 16
We are doing our best to keep you updated related to coronavirus info, all in one place, as it relates specifically to Champaign-Urbana and beyond. We want to make sure we keep you informed about local shopping (and how to support local businesses, even online!), how to get access to library resources, and more.
We’re going to put together a digest of info as it gets released. We will continue to update our overall coronavirus updates as well, but want to make sure we’re getting this info out. If you want to contribute to this, email editor@chambanamoms.com.
We are working on a lot of information to share with you, please be patient with us.
Find earlier closure announcements here: What you need to know in Champaign County and beyond
Learn about Champaign County’s first confirmed case of Coronavirus here
Find local info about social distancing with kids
Champaign Unit 4 Schools To Suspend Deadline for Kindergarten Registration
During this time, families may call (217) 351-3800 to reach the District with any questions and concerns. Staff will monitor this line and its voicemails throughout each business day.
The closures also affect the Schools of Choice process. Kindergarten registration is currently suspended and the original March 31 deadline will be postponed. The new deadline will be announced at a later date.
MTD To Provide Free Rides Starting March 17
Via MTD Press Release: MTD will begin providing free rides effective Tuesday, March 17.
“We encourage all passengers to limit non-essential travel. MTD recognizes there are some who serve in industries that must continue to operate as well as errands that must be run. MTD wants to eliminate any barriers to access and the free rides will apply to our fixed-routes, demand response services, and ADA Paratransit. Free rides also eliminates the need for our Operators and passengers to exchange cash, coin, and transfers.”
MTD is currently operating our regularly scheduled service. Reductions for the University of Illinois Spring Break are in effect Saturday, March 14 through Saturday March 21. At this time, MTD plans to resume full and regular service on Sunday, March 22. MTD is continuing to monitor ridership and our own employee availability to determine adequate and feasible service levels.
Champaign, Urbana Schools Announce Food Distribution Plans
For information about food distribution starting March 23, go HERE.
Spreadsheet Offers Ways To Support Champaign-Urbana area Restaurants, Retail
Our friends at Smile Politely have the scoop on this crowd-sourced effort.
Champaign County ReStore to be closed until March 30
The Champaign County Habitat for Humanity ReStore will be closed until at least March 30th. During this time it will not be able to pickup any donations and ask that donors please refrain from dropping any donations off at the store.
Salt and Light Urbana Grocery Remains Open with Reduced Hours; Salt and Light Champaign Closes Until March 29
• The Champaign location will be closed effective end of business today, Monday, March 16, 2020 through Sunday, March 29, 2020.
• The Urbana location will remain open with a reduction in hours.New hours will be Monday through Saturday 8am – 8pm, and Sunday 11am – 5pm.
Spreadsheet
Champaign Outdoors Closes Brick and Mortar Stores; Continue to Shop Local on RuggedOutdoors.com
Champaign Outdoors and Rugged Outdoors announced via Facebook it will close its stores through March 29, and will re-evaluate later. However, you can shop local at ruggedoutdoors.com.
Mahomet Library to Close at End of Business on March 16
As part of the overall community response to the COVID-19 situation, the Mahomet Public Library will close to the public for an indefinite period beginning Tuesday, March 17. This decision was made by library leaders in order to protect the health of staff and patrons and to help to slow the spread of the virus in the community.
During the closure period, library staff members are extending the loan period of ALL items already checked out to early May and are asking the public to hold onto library materials they have until the library re-opens. Book drops at the library will be locked effective March 17th. No overdue fees will be assessed during this time. More info HERE.
Tolono Public Library to Close End of Business March 16
“To help contain the spread of COVID-19 in our community, the Tolono Public Library will close to the public for an indefinite period beginning Tuesday, March 17. Election Day voting will still occur at the library on Tuesday, March 17 as previously scheduled from 6 am to 7 pm.
All programming, outreach, and meeting room bookings have been canceled as well. We will continue to monitor this situation and will reassess as new information becomes available. Closing the Library for an extended period is a difficult decision, but the health and safety of our community and staff are our first priority. We apologize for any inconvenience.”
I-Power Gymnastics Closes Its Doors Through March 29
“We are committed to paying our staff during this time because we value our employees and believe that they are the best and deserve to be supported. We ask that you stay enrolled in classes knowing that you are able to make-up all the missed classes that you might have. As a small business in our community, our hope is that we do not have to cause instructors financial hardship in an already stressful time. We cannot support them without your support. <3”
More info on the I-Power closure HERE.
Orpheum Children’s Science Closes Through March 30
Allerton Park Closes to the Public
This includes all trails, roads, and facilities. (Update March 27: South trails reopen, follow social distancing requirements, no facilities available.)
Jane Addams Book Shop Closes Doors, Offers Online Shopping and Local Pickup
Checkered Moon Closes Doors, Offers Virtual Shopping and Local Delivery
Texture Home Closes Doors, Offers Curbside Pickup and Local Delivery Options
Champaign’s Pottery Place Offers Curbside Take and Paint Pottery
Spurlock Museum Closed as of March 16, Until Further Notice
Grocery Stores Update Hours, Focus on Cleaning Measures
As of March 15, all Schnucks stores will be closing daily at either 10pm or midnight, depending on store location, and will reopen at 6am. These abbreviated store hours will allow us to restock shelves and perform additional cleaning measures. More info HERE.
As of March 15, Walmart is cutting store hours at its locations across the U.S. because of COVID-19. Stores normally open 24 hours will be open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. until further notice, the company said late Saturday. Other stores, which are typically open until midnight, will also have reduced hours.
Market Place Mall Announces Updated Hours
Effective Monday, March 16, the shopping center will operate between noon and 7 pm every day except for Sunday, when the hours are 11am to 6pm. Please check the hours on the Market Place website for the most up-to-date information.
