**Editor's Note: This page is updated regularly. If you need information, email the address below
As the region makes changes in an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus, WSIU will be maintaining a list of closures and restrictions in the region.
Any information on canceled events, closures or restrictions can be sent to closings@wsiu.org.
Schools/Government Services
Governor JB Pritzker has announced all K-12 schools in Illinois will be closed through March 30th. Students who receive free or reduced price breakfast and lunch will be able to pick up grab-and-go meals each day.
SIU Carbondale has extended spring break through March 22nd, and will be resuming classes in online or alternative formats. The campus will remain open for students who wish to return to their dorms. Additional information from SIUC can be found at this link.
John A. Logan Community College, Kaskaskia Community College, Rend Lake College, Shawnee Community College, and Southeastern Illinois College have extended their Spring Break plans, and are making changes to classroom instruction.
Social Security Administration - Online (www.socialsecurity.gov) or Phone Services Only
IL Secretary of State Drivers Service Facilities - Closed through March 31
Williamson County Administration Building - Closed until further notice
Community Closures
Pearson Testing Center at JALC - Closed through April 1
Boys and Girls Club of Southern Illinois - Closed through March 28
Herrin City Library - Closed March 16-29
Carbondale Public Library -- closed March 17 through March 29th.
The Alice Wright and Kids Korner child care centers operated by the Carbondale Park District will be closed through March 29, with status evaluated on a week-by-week basis.
Fitness and aquatic fitness classes at the Life Community Center in Carbondale are canceled.
Carbondale City Hall will be closed to the public through March 31st, except for voting.
The Illinois Department of Corrections is suspending all in-person visits at prison facilities.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is closing all IDNR operated areas and facilities - questions can be directed to 217-782-6752.
The U.S. Forest Service is closing all recreational sites including developed campgrounds and restrooms in the Shawnee National Forest. This includes Johnson Creek Campground in Jackson County, Pine Hills Campground in Union County, Camp Cadiz Campground in Hardin County, Pharaoh Campground at the Garden of the Gods in Saline County, Pine Ridge Campground at Pounds Hollow in Gallatin County, and Tower Rock Campground in Hardin County.
The Duam Administration Building at 1101 Walnut Street in Murphysboro will close effective 3-16-2020. The drive up window will remain open for water bill payments to be made, and other business to be transacted. This is until further notice / at least until March 31st.
The public foyer area at Public Works in Murphysboro will be closed until further notice -- at least until
March 31st. A notice will be posted on the front door with Public Works phone numbers for people to call if they need assistance.
The Du Quoin City Hall will remain open for daily business. However, it will be closed to the general public. Events and meetings which have been scheduled in the City Hall will be cancelled. Special arrangement may be made for business or city meeting of importance and necessary for city operations (call 618-542-3841). Payments for water bills and other city services may be made at the City Clerk’s Office per normal practice.
The Buncombe Public Water District office is closed until further notice.
Business can be conducted by:
Phone at 618-549-0432
Email to info@BuncombePWD.com
Online at BuncombePWD.com
Payments may be made by:
Dropbox, mail, ACH, or online @ BuncombePWD.com.
Emergencies only call 618-924-3408.
The City of Carterville offices including City Hall and the Water Department will remain open. The Community Center must cancel all reservations through March 30th and the Easter Egg Hunt scheduled for March 28, 2020 has been postponed.
The following facilities will be closed for the next two weeks starting March 16 in the City of Marion: The Hub, Marion Cultural and Civic Center, Pavilion, Marion Carnegie Library, and as previously announced, the Senior Citizens (meals will still be available for pick-up).
River to River Trail Society Public Hikes (3/21, 3/22, 3/28) - Cancelled
Hospitals
Southern Illinois Healthcare has announced they will be screening visitors for potential Covid-19 symptoms upon entry to any of their hospitals, along with adding a hotline (1-844-988-7800) and additional web resources for information.
SSM Health is offering free virtual visits for people experiencing symptoms.
Hamilton Memorial Hospital is asking all outside visitors to complete the IDPH visitor screening question when they arrive, and is restricting visitors with influenza-like symptoms and visitors under the age of 18.
Cancelled Events
Murphysboro Kiwanis Pancake Day (March 21) - Cancelled
All events scheduled for the Carbondale Civic Center or Town Square Pavilion have beeen canceled.
The Carbondale City Council meeting scheduled for March 24th has been canceled.
The Learning and Retirement event at Grace United Methodist Church in Carbondale scheduled for March 18th has been canceled.
The book sale scheduled for March 14th, 16th and 17th at the Herrin Public Library has been canceled and will be rescheduled for a later date.
Williamson County Sheriff Bennie Vick is announcing that the Merit Test for positions of Deputy, Correctional Officer, and Civilian Telecommunicator that was originally scheduled for Saturday, March 21, 2020 will be postponed. Everyone who returned a completed application has been individually notified of the postponement. When a new Merit Test date is set, everyone who returned a completed application will again be individually contacted.
