Village of Lombard FAQ's Regarding COVID-19: March 12, 2020 

Below is information from the Village of Lombard, related to COVID-19, as of Thursday, March 12, at 3:30 p.m. As the situation continues to unfold, this information is extremely subject to change. If necessary, updates may be shared on a daily, if not hourly basis on the the Village's social media accounts and website. 

What is the Village doing about COVID-19?
The Village of Lombard takes its role in serving our community seriously. We are focused on keeping our staff, residents, and neighbors healthy and safe. That’s why the Village has taken a proactive approach in the planning and preparing of potential complications which may arise from the spread of the coronavirus. This includes coordination with other local and state agencies such as the DuPage County Health Department, the Cook County Health Department, and the DuPage County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DCOHSEM).

What efforts are first responders taking?
In an effort to remain proactive regarding preparedness efforts, the Village's public safety departments are taking extra precautions to help prevent the spread of illness. Police and Fire Departments have taken stock of personal equipment, and have put plans in place to help ensure uninterrupted service levels in the case of a COVID-19 impact.

The Lombard Fire Department has increased routine cleaning of equipment and vehicles, and has increased its use of personal protective equipment. The Village utilizes the 9-1-1 emergency dispatch center DU-COMM, which has implemented additional call screening questions to determine if callers have traveled outside the country to affected areas or if they have symptoms that are similar to the flu. That information is communicated to first responders, to allow for additional precautions to be taken when responding. When responding to calls that have been identified as having positively responded to the additional screening questions, first responders are able to proactively protect themselves from unnecessary exposure. The Village’s top priority is to serve its citizens. We will continue to take extra precautions in our emergency response standards in order to do so.

The Lombard Police Department has increased its already mandatory cleaning of squad cars and equipment at the start and end of each shift. Cleaning of the booking areas and the front lobby have also increased beyond regular standards. Additionally, Lombard Police accompanying Lombard Fire Department EMS calls for service, will be reduced to essential situations only.


What else has the Village done to prepare for the possible impact of COVID-19?
Village officials have been in regular conversation regarding emergency planning, in response to COVID-19. While there are no confirmed cases in DuPage County as of March 12, 2020, Lombard has initiated emergency operations and planning meetings to evaluate and execute precautionary measures and response logistics. Staff continues to work closely with the Illinois Department of Public Health, DuPage County Health Department, the DuPage County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland security, as well as local community partners to monitor rapidly changing conditions.
The Village has shared health agency information and resources, reminding residents and staff that prevention is key.

In efforts to continually serve the Village of Lombard, additional staff members have been outfitted with the ability to work from home. It is the Village’s ongoing priority to continue to provide residents with core services.

As part of your proactive approach, what are you doing to plan ahead?
The village has increased meetings of its emergency planning team, including local governmental agency partners, in order to share information and coordinate emergency planning.

We remain in contact with other governmental agencies including public and private schools, the park district, and the library. The Village will continue to work with our community partners and will help share important information including potential closures or postponements of classes or events. 

What happens if COVID-19 impacts Lombard or DuPage County on a local level?
As of March 12, 2020, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in DuPage County. It is possible that if COVID-19 impacts Lombard, Village Hall could be closed to the general public. Limited public access to the Police Station, community room, and other Village buildings may also be necessary, should the situation escalate.

Staff can assist you with your business over the phone at 630-620-5700 or online. Online payments and permitting are available at www.villageoflombard.org.

Should this situation impact Lombard on a greater scale, how might this affect Lombard?
Should the Village experience a direct impact, potential next steps could include:

• Canceling large-scale community events
• Canceling/postponing public meetings
• Restricting access of Village facilities to essential personnel only
• Requiring self-quarantine of staff that have been exposed

Please note that these decisions could be mandated by other agencies including the DuPage Health Department, DuPage County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, the Illinois Department of Public Health or the CDC.

How will you let residents know about updates?
The Village will continue to share updates and information on social media pages including Facebook (www.facebook.com/villageoflombard), Twitter (www.twitter.com/lilacvillage), and on the Village’s website at www.villageoflombard.org. Additional information may be sent through the Village’s E-Pride Newsletter mailing list. If you are not already signed up, please take a moment to sign up at www.villageoflombard.org/epride.

What can I do to help prevent the spread of illness or reduce my chances of exposure?
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Lombard officials will continue to monitor various sources for best practices about COVID-19 and will take appropriate steps as necessary to continue to provide core services to residents. The Village strongly encourages anyone who suspects they may have the coronavirus to contact a medical professional. 

Where Can I Get More Information?
For accurate information and the latest updates, please visit the following links:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) website. 
• Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH): Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) website. 
• DuPage County Health Department (DCHD): Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Information.
• Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH): Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Additional Resources
Those with questions or concerns about COVID-19 can call the Illinois Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Hotline 1 (800) 889-3931 or send an email to: dphsick@illinois.gov anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For those planning to travel, visit CDC’s Coronavirus Disease Information for Travel page for the latest information.