Coronavirus Resources

The Illinois House Democratic Caucus has compiled the following resources to help Illinoisans and their families access trusted sources of information during the COVID-19 pandemic. Check back frequently for updates.

 

The Latest News

The latest breaking news and information on Coronavirus and COVID-19 in Illinois.

Business

Learn about information, resources and relief programs available to businesses.

Seniors

Resources for senior citizens and their caregivers.

Stop The Spread

Learn how to protect yourself, your family and others from COVID-19.

Employment and Workplace Safety

Employment resources and information on workplace safety.

Resources for Victims

Help is available for anyone experiencing child abuse, domestic abuse or sexual violence.

Symptoms and Testing

Learn about COVID-19 symptoms and find information about testing.

Health Care

Find out if you are at higher risk for COVID-19 and learn about available health care resources. 

Food and Shelter Insecurity

Resources for people experiencing food and shelter insecurity.

Parents and Caregivers

Advice and tips on how to manage caregiving and parenting during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Mental Health Care

Help manage your emotional and mental health by check out some of the following resources.

Veterans and Military

Resources for veterans, servicemembers and military families.

The Latest News

Stop the Spread

Symptoms and Testing

If you need medical attention and believe you may have exposure to COVID-19, inform your health care provider before going in for care for your protection, their protection and the protection of other patients.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 and notify emergency dispatchers if you believe you may have exposure to COVID-19 for your protection and the protection of emergency medical workers.

Visit the following resources for online assessment tools and guidance regarding testing in Illinois:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Coronavirus Self-Checker

Mayo Clinic: COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool

Illinois Department of Public Health: Concerned but not Exposed

Illinois Department of Public Health: Confirmed or Possible COVID-19

Illinois Coronavirus (COVID-19): Testing Sites

Illinois Department of Public Health: COVID-19 Testing Sites

Chicago Department of Public Health: COVID Coach

Parents and Caregivers

COVID-19 is presenting new challenges for parents and caregivers. Here are tips on how to manage caregiving and parenting in the age of coronavirus:

State of Illinois Coronavirus Response: Education FAQs

Drive-Up Wi-Fi Hotspot Map for Remote Learning

Illinois Department of Public Health: Children & Pregnant Women Guidance

Illinois Department of Public Health: Medically Fragile Child Guidance

Illinois State Board of Education: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates and Resources

Illinois State Board of Education: Continuing Education Resources (#KeepLearning)

Illinois State Board of Education: Mental Health Resources

AARP: How Family Caregivers Can Keep Loved Ones Active at Home During Coronavirus Outbreak

AARP: Caregiver Resource Line – A Toll-Free Hotline for People Taking Care of a Loved One

    • English: 1-877-333-5885
    • Spanish: 1-888-971-2013

American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress: Helping Children Cope Emotionally with the Coronavirus

American Psychological Association: Advice for Caregivers of Children with Disabilities

Child Mind Institute: Supporting Families During COVID-19 [Spanish]

Child Mind Institute: How to Avoid Passing Anxiety on to Your Kids [Spanish]

Child Mind Institute: Supporting Teenagers and Young Adults During the Coronavirus Crisis [Spanish]

Conscious Discipline: COVID-19: Five Helpful Responses for Families

National Association of School Psychologists: Countering COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Stigma and Racism – Tips for Parents and Caregivers

National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Talking With Children – Tips for Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers During Infectious Disease Outbreaks

World Health Organization: Parenting in the Time of COVID-19

UNICEF: Social Stigma Associated with the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

UNICEF: Tips for Parenting During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak

Business

Small businesses that form the backbone of our state’s economy are in the midst of extraordinary disruption and unprecedented economic insecurity. Please visit the following resources for information on accessing business relief programs:

Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity: Essential Business Inquiries

Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity: Business Interruption Grants Program (BIG)

Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity: COVID-19 – Emergency Resources for Businesses

Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity: Essential Business Questions

Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity: Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund and Downstate Small Business Stabilization Program

Illinois Department of Human Rights: FAQ for Businesses Concerning Use of Face Coverings During COVID-19

Illinois Department of Human Services: Paycheck Protection Program Frequently Asked Questions

Illinois Department of Insurance: Illinois Insurance Coverage and Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Illinois Department of Public Health: Business and Organization Guidance

Illinois Department of Revenue: Additional Relief for Renewals of Illinois Sales Tax Exemption (“E”) Numbers During the COVID-19 Virus Outbreak

Illinois Department of Revenue: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information for Illinois Taxpayers

Illinois Department of Revenue: Notice of Penalty and Interest Relief for IFTA Regarding COVID-19

Illinois Department of Revenue: Short-Term Relief from Penalties for Late Sales Tax Payments Due to COVID-19 Virus Outbreak

US Small Business Administration: Disaster Assistance

US Small Business Administration: Paycheck Protection Program

Chicago Department of Public Health: COVID-19 Guidance for Businesses and Employers

Employment and Workplace Safety

Health Care

Mental Health Care

Coronavirus has disrupted many elements of everyday life, leading to anxiety, depression and stress. To help manage your emotional and mental health, check out some of the following resources. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: COVID-19: We Must Care for Older Adults’ Mental Health

American Psychological Association: Grief and COVID-19

American Psychological Association: Finding Local Mental Health Resources During the COVID-19 Crisis

American Psychological Association: Advice for Caregivers of Children with Disabilities

American Psychological Association: Keeping Your Distance To Stay Safe – What To Expect, How To Cope

Anxiety and Depression Association of America: Coronavirus Anxiety – Helpful Expert Tips and Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): COVID-19 – Stress and Coping

Crisis Text Line: Free, 24/7 Mental Health Support via Text Message From Trained Crisis Counselors

Illinois State Board of Education: Mental Health Resources

Mental Health America: Older Adults & Isolation During COVID-19

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

    • 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
    • Spanish: 1-888-628-9454
    • Deaf or Hard of Hearing: 1-800-799-4889
    • Chat Online

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Disaster Distress Helpline

    •  English
      • Call: 1-800-985-5990
      • Text: TalkWithUS to 66746
    •  Spanish
      • 1-800-985-5990 press 2
      • Text: Hablanos to 66746
    • Deaf/Hard of Hearing
      • Use your preferred relay service to call 1-800-985-5990
      • TTY 1-800-846-8517

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health During an Infectious Disease Outbreak – Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation

Suicide Prevention Resource Center: Resources to Support Mental Health and Coping with the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The Trevor Project: LGBTQ Youth Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention

    • Call: 1-866-488-7386
    • Chat Online
    • Text: Text START to 678678

Veterans Crisis Line:

World Health Organization: Mental Health and Psychosocial Considerations During the COVID-19 Outbreak

Seniors

During this pandemic, it is important to continue to ensure dignity and quality of life for older Illinoisans. Visit these resources for critical information for senior citizens and their caregivers:

AARP: COVID-19 Resources

AARP: Community Connections – Mutual Aid

AARP: Friendly Voices – Receive A Senior Wellness Call

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: COVID-19: We Must Care for Older Adults’ Mental Health

Illinois Retail Merchants Association: Senior Shopping Hours

Illinois Department on Aging: What You Need to Know About COVID-19

Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services: Senior Services

Mental Health America: Older Adults & Isolation During COVID-19

National Council on Aging: Encouraging Older Adults to Stay Active and Safe During the Coronavirus Pandemic

American Banking Association: COVID-19 Scams and the Elderly: Inspiring Savvy Seniors

American Society on Aging: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Resources

American Society on Aging: Efforts Needed to Ensure Protecting Older Adults from COVID-19 Don’t Create Other Problems

American Society on Aging: Provisions for Seniors in Coronavirus Relief Bills

City of Chicago: Elder Abuse Information

Eldercare Locator:

Illinois Department on Aging: Adult Protective Services

Illinois Department on Aging: Elder Rights

Illinois Elder Abuse Adult Protective Services Hotline:

    • 1-866-800-1409
    • TTY: 1-888-206-1327

Illinois Legal Aid Online: Protection from Abuse and Neglect for Senior Citizens

National Center on Elder Abuse: COVID-19 and Elder Abuse

National Center on Elder Abuse: Staying Connected During Physical Distancing

US Department of Justice: Elder Justice Initiative – Find Help or Report Abuse

Resources for Victims

If you or someone you know is experiencing or has experienced child abuse, elder abuse, domestic abuse or sexual violence, help is available from the following resources. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of harm, please dial 9-1-1. 

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services: 1-800-25-ABUSE (1-800-252-2873)

National Domestic Violence Hotline [Spanish]

National Dating Abuse Hotline [Spanish]

National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)

National Sexual Assault Hotline [Spanish]

National Center for Victims of Crime

City of Chicago: Elder Abuse Information

Illinois Elder Abuse Adult Protective Services Hotline:

    • 1-866-800-1409
    • TTY: 1-888-206-1327

Illinois Legal Aid Online: Protection from Abuse and Neglect for Senior Citizens

National Center on Elder Abuse: COVID-19 and Elder Abuse

US Department of Justice: Elder Justice Initiative – Find Help or Report Abuse

Victim Connect Resource Center:

Food and Shelter Insecurity

Veterans and Military