Aside from our healthcare professionals who are front line of this emergency, we need to think of all those Firefighters and Police Officers who also interact with patients every minute.

24 hours a day, we have emergency response officials risking their lives to save those who need help the most.

The solution isn’t as easy as sending gloves and masks to the hospital.

The solution isn’t as easy as tell people to stay home.

It’s more of a complex response that requires logistics, planning, and proper all-hazards execution so that we can consistently beat the odds when it comes to Coronavirus.

And this country isn’t all the same. Each part of the country has specific needs and response officials need to act accordingly to address those gaps.

This battle isn’t over yet…we have lots more to do.

Emergency Management is the main coordinating agency for this all-hazards response.

@rusnivek

Aside from fielding media calls all day long, we are regularly facing an onslaught of contacts on various platforms.

For those that were wondering how open should your agency be on social media, I love it. However, you need to manage expectations and balance your time. Like you can’t be 100% social media right? You likely have social media as “other duties as assigned” right?

We often talk about it in class and regularly about how important it is to assess platforms. Prioritizing your platforms esp focused on where your audiences live is critical on how you spend your time passing good/trusted information.

So I love to see that agencies are on various social media platforms because we pledge transparency and openness. But please make sure your agency can respond timely to any requests that come through. You don’t want media inquiries lost in space.

@rusnivek

To help further reduce the spread of the Coronavirus, the City of Chicago has instituted a stop on all liquor sales starting Thursday April 9, 2020 at 2100.

No vodka for you!

Imagine if you were the lead PIO and had to tell people that in addition to your shelter in place order, and always wear a mask, and frequently wash your hands…now you cannot purchase liquor too.

Interesting as it’s being labeled as a “Public Health Order” huh.

I am sure pros will debate this preventive Coronavirus action for years.

@rusnivek

Am I wearing a mask? Yep.

What kind of mask? I have a plethora of masks that work well for me.

Surgical masks, Standard N95s…

But truth be told, my neck gaiters work the best for my face as the added coverage helps it stay in place.

Now just because I use it, doesn’t mean it’s the best thing for you. So YOU have to figure out which mask works best for you and what fits you the best.

Regardless what type of mask you wear on a Monday morning, just make sure you set an excellent example by wearing a mask.

Your favorite EAO thanks you for being an outstanding citizen and kind/caring human.

Reporting live from the JIC….

@rusnivek

Kids are not going to be happy about this…esp on a Sunday.

As your favorite EAO or even as another human being, I hope everyone washes their hands, wears a mask, and obviously adheres to the 6ft social distancing recommended by HHS and CDC. More details can be found here.

Reporting live from the JIC…

@rusnivek

Don’t forget…as your media partners roll in for your presser, support them a bit as many of them may not be from the area.

Your favorite EAO had a few national reporters call in with questions on parking, directions into the building, etc…

To be gracious hosts, these signs are helpful in directing some of our media partners.

More importantly, I want the media to be ready to go in capturing that clip or that soundbite as they are helping us spread the word from our senior leadership on ongoing operations.

Remember PIOs, the media are our partners in this ongoing fight against Coronavirus.

@rusnivek

Your favorite EAO knew there would be much news interest on our fight against COVID19. But to follow the rules setup by HHS/CDC and others, we had to change the setup for our friends in the media. (We are tasked with their safety too ya know)

Yep, our press briefing room has been reconfigured to the 6ft guidelines.

Kudos to Sabit on the great ideas.

Reporting live from the JIC….

@rusnivek

Man, I got some good peeps. John made formal table tents for everyone!

#snazzy

Working the magic today stylin and profiling!

Sadly, these new table tents don’t reduce the amount of inquiries and media calls because the phones are still ringing off the hook!

Reporting live from the JIC…

@rusnivek

April 1, 2020….don’t even think about a practical joke today.

However, I can tell you that I have witnessed some genius methods of respecting social distancing by modifying some daily interactions that include physical separation.

Pull! Pull! Pull! Pull! Pull!

Who doesn’t love the TT!?!?!

Great idea peeps! Proud of your ingenuity.

But not everyone has a car or a long driveway so here’s an idea for those that live on the second floor or higher.

Outstanding use of techniques as well as incorporating some science principals into the day for the kiddos to learn.

Bravo to all the parents out there who are trying their hardest to keep up with school work, work-work, home work, etc….it’s a big much huh?

Why are we trying to be perfect in this?

That map looking kinda red.

Reporting live from the JIC….

@rusnivek