The Park Ridge Park District wanted to let you know about the steps that are being taken by the District to control the spread of the COVID-19 (commonly known as coronavirus.) All of the facilities continue to be on an aggressive program of disinfection which includes an upgraded schedule of disinfecting doorknobs, handrails and grab rails and the placement of additional antiseptic wipes and/or hand sanitizers at all facilities. The District has been working with the Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA) to determine best practices for controlling the spread of infectious disease.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness. There is currently no vaccine to protect against it. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes it. Stopping transmission through everyday practices is the best way to keep healthy:

• Cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing or cough into the inside of the elbow. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash hands often and especially before eating and after contact with public surfaces. Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use and alcohol-based hand cleaners.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. 
• Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• People who are sick should stay home and avoid contact with other people until they are well.
• See your doctor if you have a fever, cough, body aches and fatigue. 

The Park District is monitoring information from the CDC and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and staff have monitored procedures accordingly. The Park District will update our website, social media, and use email communications to inform patrons of any changes to program schedules or facility operations.

The Park District is asking you to do your part to contain the spread of the coronavirus - stay home or keep your child home from Park District programs and facilities if there have been signs of the flu or if you are not feeling well. 

At this time, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) does NOT recommend the use of masks or gloves, cancelling classes, or cancelling mass gatherings.  If you are looking for more information about COVID-19, you can check out the Center for Disease Control (CDC) or the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) websites.