Champaign-Urbana Coronavirus Updates: March 18
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 resources, closures, and so much more.
We’re going to put together a digest of info as it gets released. If you want to contribute to this, email editor@chambanamoms.com.
CUPHD asks faith-based organizations to avoid meeting in person
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District administrator Julie Pryde made an urgent plea through Urbana Mayor Diane Marlin’s office to faith-based leaders to discontinue meeting in person as a congregation.
Wrote Pryde: “You are the MOST trusted source of information to your congregations. You have an obligation to protect them and do what is in their best interest. Remaining open will encourage people to gather and give them a false sense of security. People congregating in churches or any other location is going against public health recommendations, and putting our community and your congregations at risk. People will die as a result of these actions. I cannot impress upon you enough how critical it is for you to lead with knowledge through this public health crisis. The pandemic will continue for months. You have to do things differently.
“We need you to stop in-person services and to continue daily outreach to your congregations through the phone. Organize a call tree, a call bank, develop a volunteer team to get resources such as food and medicine to your members over 60 and those with chronic health conditions (drop off delivery). Help link them to resources.
“I am pleading with you to do the right thing and protect your congregations.”
Grocery Store Updates, Senior Shopping Hours, and Where to Shop Small for Food in Champaign-Urbana
Even in this era of social distancing and staying in as much as possible, we all need to eat.
In this article, we have three goals: to get out current news about where to shop local for food; where to find special grocery shopping hours for at-risk populations; and a roundup of updated store hours for as many stores as possible. Click to read the grocery store article HERE.
Busey Bank, University of Illinois Community Credit Union close lobbies at all locations
From Busey: “Out of an abundance of caution, we are temporarily suspending lobby services at all Busey branch locations—effective Thursday, March 19 until further notice. While we plan to return to normal lobby operations as soon as possible, this timeline is dependent on public health conditions. While the lobby is closed, Busey’s drive-up, ATMs, online banking services and Customer Care team remain available for assistance.” Visit the Busey website for more details.
University of Illinois Community Credit Union: Temporarily suspending lobby access at all branch locations beginning Thursday, March 19th. While the lobbies themselves may be closed, the drive-up services will be open. “We plan to resume in-branch service when conditions improve.”
Lodgic Everyday Community closes temporarily
Lodgic officials hoped to remain open during the crisis but have chosen to close all parts of the facility to do its part in the effort of social distancing.
The announcement: “We now believe that Lodgic can best serve the Champaign-Urbana community by heeding expert advice on social distancing and temporarily closing our property at the end of business (March 18) through at least April 3.”
Stephens Family YMCA opens temporary childcare for healthcare workers
The Stephens Family YMCA is partnering with Carle to provide childcare for school-age children of healthcare workers and first responders, starting next week.
After evaluating its space and considering the need for social distancing and cleanliness standards, the Y staff determined it could safely manage 30 school-age kids, from grades K-8.
Urbana, Mahomet School Districts Update Plans for Food Distributions
Find out how children under 18 can access food in Urbana and Mahomet, starting March 23. Read our roundup of school food distribution info.
See our digest from March 17: University of Illinois graduation cancled, movie theaters closed, new Facebook groups to support local businesses and more.
See our digest from March 16: retail closures, Free MTD rides, Champaign, Urbana school districts announce food distribution plans, and more.
Find earlier closure announcements here: What you need to know in Champaign County and beyond
Champaign-Urbana Area Library Resources | 300 resources for learning and entertainment | Find local info about social distancing with kids