O’Fallon clamping down in effort to slow the spread of coronavirus

As efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19 continue across the U.S., the city of O’Fallon has put restrictions into place this week: At the public library, parks and recreation activities and recommendations for public meetings.

New city hall practices started March 18 with limiting access to city facilities to reduce the number of people that come in and out. The city will not disconnect water or sewer service during this time either.

“This is being done to help mitigate the spread of the disease to protect our residents, city staff, and to continue to provide essential city services to the community,” Mayor Herb Roach said.

During this time, city facilities will still be in operation and the city will continue to provide services. However, in-person meetings and face-to-face transactions will be restricted.

“We encourage everyone to utilize the city’s website www.ofallon.org or mobile app ‘O’Fallon On Demand’ during the period of limited access. City services including but not limited to inspections, water taps, and building permits can be scheduled by appointment only by calling O’Fallon City Hall at 618-624-4500 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday).

“In order to mitigate the impact of this closure, the city of O’Fallon will not be performing disconnections or shut offs for any delinquent payments on water or sewer service until further notice,” the mayor said.

Water and sewer customers are still required to pay any balances. Water and sewer bills can be paid online at https://www.ofallon.org/home/pages/pay-my-bill, drop-offed box located at City Hall or mailed in to 255 South Lincoln Avenue, O’Fallon, Illinois 62269.

Access to the O’Fallon Public Safety building, 285 North Seven Hills Road, will still be open for walk-in reports and public safety concerns. The public is requested to call the Public Safety non-emergency line at 618-624-4545 rather than showing up in person. In the event of an emergency please continue to dial 9-1-1.

O’Fallon Public Library closed

As of 8 p.m. March 17 the O’Fallon Public Library is closed to the public. During the last couple days the library has tried to provide limited library services while keeping patrons and staff safe from the spread of disease. With new recommendations and mandates from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and the Illinois Library Association, the library realizes the time for half-measures has passed.

Keeping the library open sends a message that it is safe to come in — sadly it is not.

During this shutdown:

• No library items are due (keep items until the library reopens)
• No fines will be assessed
• Digital resources are still available (see ebooks & More for a variety of options)
• Requests will remain in active status until services resume

O’Fallon Parks and rec, community awareness meeting

The O’Fallon Parks and Recreation Department has suspended all spring leagues and programs, and postponed all games and practices through March 29. This went into effect March 13.

O’Fallon Parks & Recreation Facilities will have limited access. However, all parks will continue to remain open at this time. If people have questions about a specific facility rental or program, please call the O’Fallon Parks & Recreation Department at 618-624-0139.

“We will be evaluating conditions to determine when it’s appropriate to reinstate practices and game play and will update accordingly,” said Mary Jeanne Hutchison, director of Parks and Recreation.

On March 12, the city hosted a community awareness meeting for local leaders from schools, churches, hospitals, daycares, assisted living facilities and neighboring communities about the coronavirus.

“We covered the facts about this virus and discussed what we can do to help combat the spread of COVID-19. O’Fallon is united and working together to keep this community safe and healthy,” Mayor Herb Roach said. “O’Fallon is fortunate to have an excellent Public Safety Department and access to quality healthcare.”

This new respiratory illness spreads rapidly through person-to-person contact, often during coughing or sneezing. Those affected may develop a fever, dry cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath. While the majority of cases result in mild symptoms, some can progress to pneumonia and multi-organ failure. The elderly and those with underlying health conditions are the most at-risk.

At the end of February and early in March, the city had begun meeting with the state, county, schools, day cares, retirement homes and churches to improve preparedness and response plans to contain the spread and mitigate the impact, Roach said.

“We are gathering data and information to make sure that we are prepared. We want to be proactive with this instead of being reactionary after the fact,” the mayor wrote in his March 9 column.

If there is widespread transmission, that would mean large numbers of people needing medical care at the same time, and depending on the severity, it could impact availability of services from public health and healthcare systems. Other infrastructure could be affected, Roach noted.

Preventing the spread through social distancing and other precautions is recommended. While there are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in O’Fallon, “we still want to be prepared,” he said.

The WHO recommends

• Wash your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
• Maintain social distancing (at least 6 feet between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing).
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth without first washing your hands.
• Practice respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
• If you have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early.
• Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider.

If a quarantine is put into place, O’Fallon will be in a support role to the St. Clair County Emergency Management agency, Police Chief Eric Van Hook said. The Illinois Department of Health is the leading state agency on the Coronavirus.

Van Hook said during this time of confusion and fear, the police department is committed to serving the community. They ask residents educate themselves on the disease and seek out reputable sources of information, such as the CDC and the Illinois Department of Health: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html or www.dph.illinois.gov.

“We are working with local, county, and state agencies to ensure our first responders stay healthy, on the job, and available to serve you,” he said.

The IDPH has set up a hotline: 1-800-889-3931 or email: dph.sick@illinois.gov.

Beginning with the March 16 city council meeting, citizens are being asked to watch the meeting online at the city’s website, www.ofallon.org, instead of attending. This virtual meeting will comply with the Open Meetings Act.

City council meetings are broadcast live on cable TV access channels — Charter Spectrum Ch. 993 and AT&T U-Verse Ch. 99.

“In an effort to help prevent and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the city of O’Fallon asks that everyone consider alternative participation options rather than attending upcoming city meetings,” a statement said.

“If you have information you wish to share with the city council, we ask that you email them directly to insideofallon@ofallon.org and they will be shared with the city council. All city council meeting agendas are posted online at https://www.boarddocs.com/il/ofallon/Board.nsf.”

The city administration is determining which employees can work at home and will continue to meet with department heads and community leaders regarding current accurate information and best practices.

Here is a copy of the presentation:https://www.ofallon.org/sites/ofallonil/files/uploads/covid-19_presentation_3-12-20_002.pdf.

Because of rapidly changing information at the federal and state levels, the city has created a webpage and is providing timely updates, with time and date noted, at: https://www.ofallon.org/home/urgent-alerts/covid-19-updates.

As of March 15, there were a reported 93 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in 13 Illinois counties — the IDPH announced 29 new cases in five central and southern counties. The first two cases in St. Clair County were reported March 14 and one in Clinton County on March 15.

“More cases in more places in Illinois means we are seeing growing transmission of the virus in the community,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “We will see additional cases in Illinois, and I urge people to take steps now to reduce the impact this will have on their daily lives.”

The state is also reporting the number of cases having no known cause for infection or due to travel abroad is increasing.

“At this point, it is best to assume that the coronavirus is circulating in your community and you should take the same precautions when interacting with other people that you would when interacting with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. This may seem like an extreme step, but this is how we reduce the number of new cases and prevent the health care system from being overwhelmed,” Ezike said in a statement.

In the U.S. cases are surging. The first U.S. case was reported Jan. 21. On March 1, there were 500. As of Monday, there were 3,602 cases in 49 states, including D.C. and three territories (Virgin Islands, Guam and Puerto Rico), with 1,100 since Friday, and 66 deaths.

On March 11, the World Health Organization characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic. Globally, there have been more than 6,500 deaths, according to an estimate from Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking cases reported by the World Health Organization and additional sources.

Schools across the state of Illinois

On March 13, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced all schools would be closed in Illinois. The State Board of Education is mandating that schools are to be closed through March 30, with students returning March 31.

Locally, the public schools affected include O’Fallon Community Consolidated School District 90, O’Fallon Township High School District 203 and Central School District 104. In addition, St. Clare Catholic School and Good Shepherd Preschool will be closed during that time.

Schools plan to implement e-Learning programs during the closures.

In a statement Sunday, Darcy Benway, OTHS District 203 Superintendent, acknowledged the rapidly evolving issue and the school district’s response. They will prepare online materials this week for students to begin March 23.

“Our administrators and teacher leaders have met this weekend to try to put our best plan forward for voluntary continued student learning opportunities based on the very latest circumstances known to us at this juncture. Our aim will be to provide voluntary continued student learning opportunities to students during the period of mandated school closure. We will use the upcoming week to prepare on-line materials and will have those available to students beginning Monday, March 23,” she said.

“Where a student’s individual circumstances necessitate, paper copies will be made available to support voluntary continued learning. In keeping with guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education, students may request teacher feedback on work completed but traditional grades will not be entered for these voluntary continued learning opportunities,” she said.

“OTHS is respectful of the challenges that our students and families have during this pandemic crisis and our aim will be to provide an opportunity for students to continue learning during this time without creating additional stresses. Thank you for your support and understanding as we all work through this crisis together,” Benway noted.

Clarice McKay, principal at St. Clare, told parents they would receive additional instructions March 16.

“If your family has concerns about providing lunch to your children, please email Mrs. McKay or Mrs. (Christina) Howard so we can help find resources for you. How this closure will affect the number of required attendance days is yet to be determined,” she said.

Carrie Hruby, District 70 Superintendent, wrote notes on the school’s Facebook page March 15, stating March 16 would be a half day only for students whose parents feel they are not prepared for online learning. They will also distribute materials and devices to students who do not have them at home.

“March 17-30 are Act of God days for Illinois schools which means they are considered non-attendance days. D90 will not assign grades but will offer lessons and activities in an effort to support the continuity of learning that is so important for our children. We will provide feedback to students and ask them to share assignments or logs to help them see the need for stay engaged during the closure. Please know that we, as educators, are partnering with you, as parents, and we will tailor support to the items or access you have at home. We will be flexible,” Hruby said.

Hruby asked all staff to be safe, calm, and flexible throughout the closure. “We are all in this together and will come through it together!” she said.

Local businesses offer assistance

Several local businesses are concerned about children not getting a meal at school.

Charlie Cook, owner of The Happy Bakery, 102 W. Sixth St., in O’Fallon, said they would help families in need at this time.

“One of the hardest things we’ve heard concerning school closures is that some families are worried that the kids who depend on school lunches won’t have anything to eat. If this is you, or anyone you know, please call us. We want to help. No judgment, we’re all in this together,” he said on District 90’s Facebook page.

The Happy Bakery’s phone number is 618-726-7349.

McAlister’s Deli in Shiloh, in the Green Mount Crossing, wants to help families facing challenges because of the school closure, and will provide sack lunches.

“If you are concerned about ensuring your children have a hearty lunch, stop by McAlister’s Deli from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Monday through Friday. Every kid can receive a free sack lunch that contains a turkey and cheese sandwich, chips, applesauce and a cookie. Completely free, no other purchase is necessary,” the company stated. “We want to do our part to make sure our friends get through this challenging time. So take this worry off your plate, and put it on ours. We will get through it. Together.”

This offer is good at all McAlister’s area locations, including Fairview Heights and Scott Air Force Base.

Central District 104 also had a half-day March 16.

Charter Spectrum is offering free internet and WiFi for 60 days to new K-12 and college student households who don’t currently have service. Call 1-844-488-8395 and ask for the Student Remote Educational Offer.

Businesses around O’Fallon

In addition, businesses have implemented changes, reducing hours and altering services.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced March 15 all bars and restaurants in the state would be closed for dining-in to the public, beginning at close of business March 16 through March 30.

That means restaurants will still deliver and provide pick-up services for carryout. Check with each establishment to see new policies and perhaps limited menu during this closure.

Debbie Arell-Martinez, executive director of the O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce, said they are urging people to support local businesses.

“We are currently gathering information from our local chamber member restaurants and will share with the public as to who will offer delivery, curb-side pick-up, etc. We want people to continue to support local, but in ways that are safe and appropriate. Business is going to be affected by this — we want to help minimize the damage,” she said.

In O’Fallon, the 24-hour Walmart will now be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. to allow staff time to re-stock and for increased sanitation efforts. These hours have been implemented at all Walmart stores across the country.

Marcus Theatres in the St. Louis metropolitan region, including O’Fallon 15, has issued social distancing seating arrangements.

“All auditoriums will be limited to 50 percent of seating capacity. Additional space will also be added between each pair of seats to provide a more comfortable social distance. Extra space may be added based on local directives,” a statement said.

For more information, visit the website, www.marcustheatres.com.

Social gathering restrictions

The community is also expected to follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control guidelines as announced by St. Clair County on March 15.

That means events and social gatherings of more than 50 people are banned across the county. It is expected to last at least eight weeks. This does not affect businesses. It is recommending conferences, festivals, concerts and weddings be postponed or canceled. President Trump on Monday actually stressed gatherings of no more than 10, which could last into August, he said.

St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern met with Madison County Board Chairman Kurt Prenzler, St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson, St. Louis County Executive Sam Page, St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann and several healthcare professionals to determine a unified course of action.

Kern issued an emergency declaration for the county Saturday.

The O’Fallon VFW has postponed its seventh annual .1K Run set for April 4 to a later date, which has not yet been determined.

Race directors Paul and Sharon Zinck said they will watch future developments before determining when it can be rescheduled.

“When a decision is made, we will send notification to registrants via email, if a valid email address was provided during the registration process. We will also post on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/vfw805point1k/ and website https://vfw805point1k.com/,” they said.

For more questions, email info@vfw805point1k.com.

This story was originally published March 16, 2020 at 5:15 PM.