CA_0720_July

6 Crestwood Adviser July 2020 Number 520
Crestwood Moves One More
Step Toward Reopening
With Gov. Pritzker approving the move of the
state into Phase 4 of reopening, it’s important that
for everyone to understand that while things are
improving, this does not mean that the COVID-19
pandemic is over. It means that through the
diligence and care that many have taken to prevent
and mitigate the spread of the virus, we are slowly
learning to live with it and to re-engage life while
respecting the boundaries that this contagion
demands.
Let’s look at the implications of Phase 4 and see
what’s permissible and where we should continue
to exercise greater caution.
PHASE 4: REVITALIZATION
What This Phase Looks Like
There is a continued decline in the rate of infection
in new COVID-19 cases. Hospitals have capacity
and can quickly adapt for a surge of new cases
in their communities. Additional measures can
be carefully lifted allowing for schools and child
care programs to reopen with social distancing
policies in place. Restaurants can open with
limited capacity and following strict public
health procedures, including personal protective
equipment for employees. Gatherings with 50
people or fewer will be permitted. Testing is widely
available, and tracing is commonplace.
What’s Open?
Gatherings: All gatherings of 50 people or fewer
are allowed with this limit subject to change based
on latest data & guidance.
Home improvement projects have been a popular
way for many to pass the time in quarantine during
the ongoing pandemic. Painting is an easy and
affordable way to update our surroundings, but
when we’re finished, we often find that we’re left
with a partial can of paint left over. Since leftover
paint can be hazardous, as it contains materials
that can leak into the ground, cause physical injury
to sanitation workers, or contaminate septic tanks,
great care is needed in the proper disposal of latex
paint.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
encourages residents to safely dispose of old or
When the skies go to blue-grey and you start
hearing the rolling of thunder, it’s a good bet that
lightning is on its way. The threat of lightning
should be taken seriously wherever you happen to
be. Whether you’re inside or outside, here are some
important points to keep in mind when lightning
appears in your vicinity:
Outdoors:
• First and foremost: There is no safe place
outside during a thunderstorm.
• If thunder is within earshot, you are within
range of a lightning strike. Seek shelter in a
home, large building or a hard-topped vehicle
immediately.
• Do not run under a tree for shelter during a
lightning storm. Trees act as conduits and
Travel: Travel should follow IDPH and CDC
approved guidance.
Health care: All health care providers are open
Education and child care: P-12 schools, higher
education, all summer programs, and child care
open with IDPH approved safety guidance.
Outdoor recreation: Outdoor recreation
generally allowed. (Note from South Side Mayors
& Managers Association: As of right now, the idea
of playgrounds being open in Phase 4 is still being
discussed. A decision on whether outdoor playgrounds
can reopen has not yet been made. We have been
told that we received poor information earlier about
reopening and will be told as soon as a decision is made
by the Governor’s Office. Stay tuned — will provide
any update once known.)
BUSINESSES:
Manufacturing: All manufacturing open with
IDPH approved safety guidance
“Non-essential” businesses: All employees
return to work with IDPH approved safety
guidance; Employers are encouraged to provide
accommodations for COVID-19-vulnerable
employees.
Bars and restaurants: Open with capacity limits
and IDPH approved safety guidance
Gaming establishments: Open with capacity
limits and IDPH approved safety guidance
Personal care services and health clubs: All
barbershops, salons, spas and health and fitness
clubs open with capacity limits and IDPH approved
safety guidance.
Proper Disposal of Latex Paint
unwanted latex paint on their own. Simply allow
the empty paint can dry, then throw it away. To
speed up the drying process: Add kitty litter,
shredded paper or sawdust to absorb the remaining
paint in the can, or pour the paint into a bag.
SAFETY ALERT!
• When leaving paint out to dry, be sure to keep
it in an area away from children, pets and open
flames.
• It is not recommended to leave out numerous
cans of oil-based paint to dry out because of a
build-up of fumes.
When Lightning Is in the Forecast
attract lightning — by standing at the roots,
you’re making yourself a target.
• Avoid windows and doors, and stay off of
porches.
• Remember: There is no safe place during a
thunderstorm. Picnic areas or other structures
with just a roof, as found in many parks, are
not safe during a lightning storm. Small sheds
are likewise unsafe.
Indoors:
• Turn off computers, stay off of corded phones
or anything else directly connected to your
home’s power source or its plumbing. (Cordless
phones and cellphones are OK.)
• Do not wash your hands, bathe, shower, or do
laundry or dishes during a lightning storm.
Entertainment: Cinema and theaters open with
capacity limits and IDPH approved safety guidance
Retail: Open with capacity limits and IDPH
approved safety guidance.
How We Move to the Next Phase
Post-pandemic: Vaccine, effective and widely
available treatment, or the elimination of new
cases over a sustained period of time through herd
immunity or other factors.
What Could Cause Us to Move Back
IDPH will closely monitor data and receive on-theground
feedback from local health departments
and regional healthcare councils and will
recommend moving back to the previous phase
based on the following factors:
• Sustained rise in positivity rate
• Sustained increase in hospital admissions for
COVID-19 like illness
• Reduction in hospital capacity threatening
surge capabilities
• Significant outbreak in the region that
threatens the health of the region
Sources: coronavirus.illinois.gov, SSMMA
• Never pour liquid paint into the trash or down
drains.
Care is needed when disposing of unused latex paint,
but proper disposal is easy. (Photo: U.S. Air Force/Kemberly
Groue)
Know what to do when lightning strikes in your vicinity.
If a person is struck by lightning, call 911
immediately. If the person has no pulse and is not
breathing, don’t wait — attempt CPR right away, if
you know how.