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IDOT Blog – Thursday, September 10, 2020
IDOT Went the Extra Mile(s) to Deliver During Pandemic
The Illinois Department of Transportation made nearly 2,800 deliveries of Personal Protective Equipment since the pandemic hit Illinois in March. PPE, which is vital in the battle against COVID-19, went to healthcare facilities, emergency management agencies, testing sites, veterans homes, hospitals, regional healthcare coordination centers, long-term care sites and other state agencies. The goal was to get the PPE directly into the hands of frontline workers in the timeliest way possible, and that’s what happened. While the numbers are impressive, they don’t tell the whole story.
Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman said the dedication shown by IDOT staff members was nothing short of incredible.
“IDOT has worked many long days, overcoming many obstacles, to ensure vital PPE arrived where it was needed,” Osman said. “Our highway maintainers at times worked around the clock seven days a week, driving many, many miles make sure the support their local areas needed arrived.
Everyone involved in this effort helped save lives.”
Added Operations Bureau Chief Amy Eller: “IDOT put in the hours needed to make sure that the PPE made it to where it was needed the most. This is just another way we work hard to keep Illinois safe.”
The well-deserved accolades also came from outside the department.
“From floods to pandemics, the collaboration between state agencies has proven to be an invaluable resource in our state’s emergency operations plan,” said Illinois Emergency Management Agency director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “Our public sector workers are the unsung heroes of this public health emergency. Your dedication is a true testament to our state’s commitment to public safety.”
While IDOT is no longer delivering PPE, staff are still picking up the numerous cones, barricades and traffic control signs that were used at COVID-19 testing sites throughout the state. The PPE effort is now being handled entirely by IEMA in conjunction with outside vendors.
There’s no doubt that IDOT – from the highway maintainers in the big orange trucks to the logistical staff throughout the state – will long be remembered for their contribution, which positively impacted the lives of Illinois residents.