CLINTON COUNTY — The Clinton County Health Department over the weekend issued the following statement regarding the controversy of reopening businesses in the face of the coronavirus pandemic:
The staff and board of the Clinton County Health Department extend our gratitude to the citizens of our fine county for your overwhelming efforts to follow the public health guidelines put forth during this COVID-19 pandemic. We would also like to extend prayers to our first responders, long term care facilities, health care workers, our families, friends and neighbors who have contracted this virus, and our business owners. This pandemic has not only taken an emotional and physical toll on our community, it has pushed many to the brink, financially.
We understand there are business owners whose financial wellness is being threatened by a plan for reopening in 5 28-day stages that lift restrictions over time. We understand the implications to our local economy. We also understand the mounting pressure on political leaders to implement a divergent plan for reopening.
By the same token, as a group of individuals who have first and foremost assumed the responsibility for protecting the public health; and as a group of individuals who are contractually and statutorily obligated to carry out services set forth by the Illinois Department of Public Health, we are in a challenging position. The Restore Illinois Plan takes into account CDC guidance as well as other expert guidance that reopening too soon without reaching benchmark goals will likely result in increased infections and deaths. To make a position statement that contradicts what the experts and senior officials in Illinois have advised, would place the health department in jeopardy. COVID-19 is right now our biggest concern, but for the past 50+ years we have also focused on preventing food-borne illness, environmental contamination, diseases caused by lack of immunizations, inadequate education, lack of access to lab testing, lack of access to medical treatment, dangerous vectors and a whole host of other concerns. These public health issues have not disappeared and if our department ceases to cooperate with our funding authorities, we run the risk of ceasing to exist.
Area public health administrators have advocated at the state level as this has unfolded, for different yet responsible approaches to reopening, with your input and the input of our citizens. As our state reaches a point where local governmental bodies are increasingly at odds with state governmental bodies, we hereby state our position.
Our position is this: We have always, and will continue to protect the public health in all matters, including COVID-19. We do not see our role as political. We have the utmost respect for our political leaders who are making the difficult political decisions. We will remain focused on our mission within the confines set forth by all layers of government, including the county board. When situations arise that contradict the Restore Illinois Plan, we will do our best to remain compliant in all areas, within the scope of our legal ability to enforce.
We are a strong and caring community. At the health department, we have witnessed countless instances of kindness, compassion and generosity as we learn to navigate this new normal. Please know that we are still here, working seven days a week to protect your health and make your concerns known at all levels of government. You can continue to do your part by practicing handwashing, social distancing, wearing masks and staying informed. Godspeed.
Clinton County Board of Health
Clinton County Health Department Staff