Effingham, IL -(Effingham Radio)- It’s an exciting time in southern Illinois as the forecast predicts a warm weekend, but health officials are reminding communities that COVID-19 and other viruses do not take a break during nice weather.
Some state parks opened today and the HSHS southern Illinois hospitals of HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospitals in Breese and Highland, and HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville encourage park-goers to allow for social distancing even outdoors.
Fresh air is good for the soul, but please make sure to enjoy the outdoors safely – either alone or with people from your household. Continue to stay more than six feet away from others for your safety and theirs. It is also a good idea to bring hand sanitizer with you during outings since soap and water may not be accessible everywhere.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, viruses, like those that cause the common cold and flu, spread more during cold weather months, however there is no evidence to determine if that also applies to COVID-19. Regardless, the CDC recommends proactive outdoor safety measures during this uncertain time.
Because parks are expected to be busier this weekend, it’s also recommended by the CDC that you bring a cloth face covering in the event you are near others outside of your household.
About Hospital Sisters Health System
Hospital Sisters Health System’s (HSHS) mission is to reveal and embody Christ’s healing love for all people through our high quality, Franciscan health care ministry. HSHS provides state-of-the-art health care to our patients and is dedicated to serving all people, especially the most vulnerable, at each of our 15 Local Systems and physician practices in Illinois (Breese, Decatur, Effingham, Greenville, Highland, Litchfield, O’Fallon, Shelbyville, and Springfield) and Wisconsin (Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Oconto Falls, Sheboygan, and two in Green Bay). HSHS is sponsored by Hospital Sisters Ministries, and Hospital Sisters of St. Francis is the founding institute. For more information about HSHS, visit www.hshs.org. For more information about Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, visit www.hospitalsisters.org.
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