Local leaders act to protect public, employees from COVID-19

The village of Diamond is restricting public access to its village hall, the Coal City Police Department is limiting its in-person responses to emergencies, Coal City Fire and Emergency Service personnel are taking extra precautions and the Coal City Public Library has canceled all programs and shut its doors for the next two weeks.
The actions come as the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to increase in the state of Illinois. On Monday, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) cited 105 cases, the most recent reported in Will County. On Tuesday, the state recorded its first COVID-19 related death.
“As a community we are strong, resilient and kind,” Kernc said in a message to residents.
In an effort to slow the spread of the virus and keep community members and employees healthy, government agencies have made changes in daily operations.
Along with limiting public access to village hall, Diamond Mayor Terry Kernc reports employees at both the village hall and public works department will work staggered shifts to prevent community spread between them.
Additionally, public works employees will no longer be allowed to enter residences or have fact-to-face contact citizens.
The village is also reducing its operating hours with employees at the village hall reporting in from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday and public works employees on duty from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Sunday.
It was business as usual at the Coal City Village Hall at the start of the week, but changes could be coming before the week’s end.
Coal City’s administrator Matt Fritz reports trustees will discuss the town’s COVID-19 response during a special meeting set for 7 p.m. tonight, March 18.
Discussion will touch on precautionary measures for village staff, scheduled events and working with the town’s business leaders.
In response to the governor’s mandate that all bars and restaurants close to dine-in patrons, the Coal City Police Department was directed to speak to each of the owners about the requirements that must be followed.
Additionally, Fritz told the newspaper he’s reached out to the local grocery store that is being effected by panic buying and hoarding of key products such as toilet paper, bottled water and non-perishable foods.
In the past week, the local store has been inundated with shoppers who have cleared the shelves and coolers. The mass run on stores has forced the local grocer to reduce its operating hours to provide the time necessary to clean and re-stock shelves.
Mayor Terry Halliday is calling on residents to be, “reasonable, rational and courteous.”
Fritz contacted the Grundy County Chamber of Commerce & Industry and North Central Illinois Council of Government regarding measures to assist small businesses impacted by government-mandated closures and reduction in services.
Additionally, he said the village would be temporarily suspending shut-offs on those behind on utility payments.
At this time village parks remain open, but the town library is closed until March 31.
Library director Jolene Franciskovich said the decision to close was based on new guidelines concerning COVID-19.
The library closed its doors 8 p.m. on Monday and limited staff will be available to answer phone calls and questions between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
All materials out on loan will be extended until April 7.
First responders remain on the job, but measures have been put in place to limit potential exposure.
Coal City Police chief Tom Best said his department will be limiting in-person responses to life threatening or emergency calls only.
All non-emergency incidents will be handled over the phone, in-person visits to the police station should be limited and officers will only respond with emergency medical personnel if requested.
The Coal City Fire Protection District reports it has limited visitor access to its stations and crews are conducting additional cleaning measures, otherwise its business as usual.
It’s also business as usual for county government.
“Our government will continue to serve the people of Grundy County. We are taking every precaution to limit the spread of the virus in our community,” said Grundy County Board chairman Chris Balkema.
County government will remain open and will continue to serve residents. However, county officials ask that citizens complete their business with the county over the phone, online, or via e-mail when possible. As part of the county’s coordinated effort, they are in communication with state and federal officials regarding the evolving COVID-19 response.
The county board will continue to meet as needed. However, pending further developments, it may elect to cancel meetings or conduct them via conference call.
Balkema advised that the public needs to remain calm and look out for each other.
“We are all in this together and look forward to getting through these challenging times,” Balkema said.