By Heart of Illinois ABC
BLOOMINGTON – McLean County is step closer to opening a COVID-19 call center to answer the public’s questions about the virus.
The McLean County Board’s Health Committee voted unanimously earlier this week to recommend adding almost $70,000 to the current year’s budget, but no local dollars would be spent, according to County Administrator Camille Rodriguez.
The federal government would pay for the call center through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
A COVID-19 hotline would be staffed with contractual employees 15-hours a day, seven-days a week. Rodriguez said existing health department workers currently handle the phone calls.
“Due to the volume of COVID-19 cases, staff has been required to work well beyond the standard hours of operation responding to complaints, providing alternative housing, supporting testing efforts, preparing for mass vaccination, and providing case investigation and contract tracing to protect and promote health in McLean County,” said Health Department Administrator Jessica McKnight said in a report to the county board.
Also, the federal money would be used to cover overtime costs, and hire an employee to compile and manage the county’s COVID-19 data, according to Health Department Administrator Jessica McKnight’s report.
Plans for the call center and COVID-19 hotline still have to be approved by the Executive Committee and the full County Board.
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