City of O’Fallon adapts to COVID-19 spike as cases of omicron variant continue surging

The spike in COVID-19 cases across the region because of the highly transmissible omicron variant has led to O’Fallon High School moving to remote learning, businesses adapting and city departments closely monitoring developments. Changes can occur, and are, frequently.

Here is a look at how the city is dealing with the current situation.

Vaccines at St. Elizabeth’s

St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon is providing a drive-thru vaccine and testing option at the HSHS Medical Group Drive-Thru Care O’Fallon at 406 Hartman Lane.

First and second doses for individuals 12 years and older are being administered. Anyone under the age of 18 must have a guardian present to receive the vaccine.

They are also offering a third doses of Pfizer and Moderna for individuals with compromised immune systems. It should be 28 days or longer since the second dose was received.

As of Monday, Jan. 9, HSHS Medical Group announced they were offering Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots for ages 12 and up. It must be five months or longer since the second dose was received. Moderna boosters are available for individuals 18+ years old six months or longer since the second dose was received.

“With the recent increase in COVID cases in Illinois our clinics are very busy. HSHS Medical Group drive-thru appointments for testing and vaccines are booking up quickly,” said James M. Bock, chief physician executive of HSHS Medical Group.

“And our colleagues in local HSHS hospitals are working hard to care for an influx of patients with critical needs due to COVID, as well as continuing to care for those without COVID who need hospitalization. Please get the vaccine to protect yourself and your loved ones as well as to help your local health care workers manage this surge,” he said.

“COVID cases are skyrocketing in Illinois. Because of the highly transmissible nature of the omicron variant, getting your booster is now just as vital as your first and second doses of COVID vaccine,” Bock said

Within the Hospital Sisters Health System across Wisconsin and Illinois, a spokesman said, overall, last week, a record 303 patients were hospitalized and being treated for COVID-19. The previous record was 293 in November 2020.

“These patients range from very young to elderly,” said Jennifer Snopko, marketing and communications manager for HSHS.

How to make a free vaccine or testing appointment

• Go to www.myhshs.org. Login or create a MyHSHS account by clicking “Sign Up Now.”
• Under Quick Links, click “COVID-19 Vaccine Link.”
• Click “COVID-19 Test/Vaccine” and answer questions on eligibility to schedule a test or a first, second or third dose vaccine appointment.
• People can choose from available appointments at the O’Fallon drive-thru location.

People can also schedule vaccine appointments by calling 1-844-216-4707. Testing appointments may not be scheduled by phone and must be scheduled online via MyHSHS.

If appointments are full, check back as additional days and times will be added based on available vaccine supplies and clinic days. People can also visit www.vaccines.gov/search for other vaccine and testing options in their area. To find a nearby HSHS vaccine clinic, visit www.HSHS.org/vaccine.

Local Schools Shift Plans

Not only is the rise in cases an ongoing detriment but staffing concerns because of people either out sick or in quarantine because of the virus has come into play.

Upon returning from winter break, O’Fallon Township High School District 203 canceled classes Jan. 7 because of staff shortage concerns, Superintendent Darcy Benway said.

“It will be handled in the same manner as an emergency closure for inclement weather. In other words, there is no remote learning tomorrow as school is officially canceled,” she wrote in a letter dated Jan. 6.

It will be made up Friday, May 20.

The district transitioned to remote learning beginning Tuesday, Jan. 10. Updates are on the school’s webpage are under “District News.”

“Staffing shortages and lack of available substitute teachers has made this shift to remote instruction necessary,” Benway wrote.

Above and beyond

In her letter, she praised the school staff.

“Our faculty and staff have gone above and beyond in their efforts during this pandemic to serve OTHS students. Yesterday, many of our teachers jumped into action when asked to substitute during any open periods in their class schedule in an effort to maintain in-person instruction. We are grateful we had yesterday’s opportunity for in-person instruction to acclimate students with their new semester schedule and teachers before having to shift into remote learning,” she said.

The high school limited spectators to only parents for athletic contests or competitions as of Tuesday, Jan. 4, but said to monitor individual activities for changes.

Cafeteria services went to meal sack pick-up from noon to 1 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the front entrance of the Smiley campus, with two breakfasts and two lunches prepared.

Benway announced plans to return to the classroom Tuesday, Jan. 18 — conditions permitting.

District 90 Monitoring Situations

In District 90 schools, Superintendent Carrie Hruby sent a letter to parents Monday, Jan. 3, stating every school in the state is following the IDPH guidance, which hasn’t been revised. They state that a 10-day isolation period for school staff and students who test positive are in place.

“We are still in person, and continue to monitor staffing levels,” Hruby said.

She plans to continue sharing updates.

“As we have done in the past, we will alert you as soon as possible if there is a need for your child’s classroom or school to be remote due to an outbreak or staffing shortage. Due to the nature of the pandemic and timing of positive cases, we may have little notice but will do our best to alert you as soon as possible should that be necessary,” she said.

“I respectfully ask for your continued patience and support as we make every effort to return to in person learning this week. We are committed to safely remaining in person and keeping our activities going for kids. This will require us all to work together,” she wrote.

Stressing vigiliance

She asked parents to exercise caution and check children for symptoms every morning.

“If your child displays symptoms, do not send them to school. If your child has been in close contact with a positive case, please follow the testing and quarantine guidance as directed by IDPH,” she said.

“Your vigilance to these protocols is an important mitigation strategy in addition to D90’s mitigation strategies of universal face masking, social distancing, hand sanitizing, air purifiers, contact tracing, and onsite surveillance testing,” Hruby said.

They have weekly onsite SHIELD COVID testing available.

“As we move into 2022, I am confident in our ability to collectively meet the challenges that lie ahead. Please be understanding with our nurses, teachers, principals, and staff as they continue to navigate state guidance, contact trace, and cover staff absences to the best of our ability,” she said.

City of O’Fallon Offers Resources

O’Fallon Police Chief Kirk Brueggemann said some employees came down with the virus, but their symptoms were mild, and there hasn’t been any hardship in staffing or providing services.

“We are taking some extra mitigation efforts within the buildings to stop any spread among employees,” he said.

The city’s website has information if residents are experiencing economic hardships. For those behind on energy bills, Ameren Illinois has information to maintain electricity and natural gas services at www.ameren.com/illinois/residential/energy-assistance/recovery.

If people are having trouble paying their water/sewer utility, there is a list of organizations that may help at www.ofallon.org/utility-billing/faq/who-can-i-call-if-i-need-help-paying-my-water-bill.

This story was originally published January 11, 2022 at 3:32 PM.