COVID-19 Media Coverage

For media members looking to interview School of Public Health faculty and researchers for stories on COVID-19, please contact Jackie Carey with UIC Public and Government Affairs.

Please consult our expert guide for a listing of all our faculty and researchers working to address COVID-19.

COVID-19 Expert Guide

WGN TV covers COVID increases in Illinois
Monday, April 12, 2021
Ron Hershow, professor of epidemiology, told WGN News that non-vaccination interventions such as mask usage and social distancing need to continue as variants continue to spread.
Dima Qata photo.
Walgreens and vaccine scheduling
Monday, April 12, 2021
Alumna Dima Qato told the New York Times that Walgreens' current practice of spacing Pfizer vaccines by four weeks instead of three may build mistrust in the vaccine process.
Analyzing New Upticks in COVID Cases
Monday, April 5, 2021
Michael Cailas told the Chicago Tribune the spread of new variants is likely driving upticks in COVID-19 infections, both in the U.S. and across the globe.
Vaccine Passports as a Public Health Tool
Tuesday, March 30, 2021
Ron Hershow, MD, professor of epidemiology, told ABC 7 Chicago the use of vaccine passports moving forward could be a key tool toward a broad reopening of society.
A researcher at SPH's water lab analyzes a wastewater sample from the Cook County Jail.
NBC Chicago Profiles Wastewater Analysis at Cook County Jail
Thursday, March 4, 2021
Wastewater sampling analyzed at SPH's water labs can provide rapid identification of COVID-19 outbreaks in a simpler fashion than mass batches of individual test results.
Vaccine Access Reveals Longstanding Disparities
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Jeni Hebert-Beirne told USA Today community-engaged researchers are not surprised by the racial inequities revealed in Chicago's initial data on COVID-19 vaccinations.
An image of an inhaler, next to an image of a smiling Black woman.
US News and World Report Profiles Asthma Study
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Alumnus Kamal Eldeirawi, PhD in Epidemiology '06, told U.S. News and World Report that increased use of disinfectants was spurring more asthma attacks among Americans.
FEMA Sites Open, Winter Weather Interferes
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Ron Hershow told the Associated Press the recent downturn in COVID-19 cases nationwide may be a tipping point toward a gradual ending of the pandemic.
A hydraulic arm picks up scrap metal and loads it in the back of a truck trailer.
Proposed Metal Recycling Spurs Protests
Sunday, February 14, 2021
SPH's Susan Buchanan told The Guardian that metal recycling operations like General Iron do not belong anywhere near residential housing due to harmful particulate matter.
Steps to Improve Vaccine Distribution
Friday, February 12, 2021
Alumnus and professor Apostolis Sambanis told Crain's Chicago Business there is no firm answer as to whether a local or centralized approach to vaccination is preferable.
Defector Analyzes Vaccine Distribution
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Alumna Jamie Slaughter-Acey served as an expert commentator for the sports website's breakdown of COVID-19 vaccination problems in the United States.
Vaccine Sites Lacking in Black, Hispanic Neighborhoods
Friday, February 5, 2021
SPH's Jeni Hebert-Beirne told NPR that places where people commonly gather, like libraries, barbershops and beauty salons could be used as vaccine sites to reach all populations.
Oak Park Plans Vaccine Distribution
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
Susan Buchanan, SPH professor and Oak Park village trustee, analyzed the village's drive-through vaccination plans for the Chicago Tribune and encouraged widespread access.
Weekly Data Shows Nursing Home Infections Declining
Friday, January 29, 2021
Ron Hershow told Chicago Public Radio the distribution of COVID-19 vaccinations in nursing homes is halting superspreader events like those experienced in the spring.
Analyzing January Infection Totals
Friday, January 29, 2021
Mark Dworkin explained in a Wall Street Journal story that vaccine distribution as new virus variants are spreading complicates the outlook for the COVID-19 virus in the U.S.
South Carolina Lacks Race, Ethnicity Data in Vaccine Process
Friday, January 29, 2021
Uchechi Mitchell told the South Carolina-based Island Packet that the state's lack of data on race and ethnicity may undermine trust in the vaccine process.
Outpatient Plans for Mercy Hospital Rejected
Wednesday, January 27, 2021
SPH's Dr. Linda Rae Murray is a member of Illinois' Health Facilities and Services Review Board that rejected a proposal to close Mercy Hospital in Bronzeville.
Nursing Home Vaccinations Slow to Ramp Up
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Dr. Ron Hershow told WBEZ the current slow speed of COVID-19 vaccinations in Illinois nursing homes is questionable due to the simpler logistical challenge of on-site vaccinations.
Jury Trials Planned to Resume in Cook County
Friday, January 22, 2021
Dr. Mark Dworkin told the Chicago Tribune plans to restart jury trials in Cook County could not overcome every risk, but masking and social distancing measures should be in place.
Inequities in Early Vaccination Data
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Jeni Hebert-Beirne, a community engagement expert, was interviewed by the Chicago Tribune on early data showing north side residents are receiving the majority of vaccines.
New Virus Variant as Vaccines Roll Out
Friday, January 15, 2021
Dr. Mark Dworkin told the Wall Street Journal rising hospitalization rates foretell increases in fatalities in the weeks to come as a new COVID-19 variant alters the pandemic.
An Urban Hospital on the Brink
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
SPH's Dr. Linda Rae Murray was interviewed by Kaiser Health News on the financial troubles facing Mercy Hospital in Chicago during the pandemic.
December a Record-Setting Month
Friday, January 1, 2021
Dr. Mark Dworkin provided analysis for the Wall Street Journal on the state of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States as the calendar turned from 2020 to 2021.
Analyzing California's Outbreak
Friday, December 18, 2020
Dr. Mark Dworkin told the Wall Street Journal the scale of the COVID-19 outbreak in California required significant efforts to reduce hospital loads.
Nursing Home Deaths on the Decline
Friday, December 11, 2020
Dr. Ron Hershow credited improved nursing home practices and increase in the availability of testing as driving the declining proportion of nursing home deaths in Illinois.
Analysis: Midwest Surge Slows
Thursday, December 10, 2020
Dr. Mark Dworkin told the Wall Street Journal the primary factor driving COVID surges across the Midwest is public compliance with public health guidelines.
Faculty Advises on Hybrid School Plan
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Dr. Mark Dworkin, professor of epidemiology, worked with Glen Ellyn School District 41 to analyze COVID-19 tests results and build a hybrid re-opening model.
Analyzing Case Rates and Mortality Rates
Monday, November 30, 2020
Dr. Mark Dworkin told Yahoo News the current discrepancies between COVID-19 case numbers and fatalities is partially driven by the volume of young people infected.
Building Vaccine Trust
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
Alumnus and professor Karriem Watson told ABC 7 Chicago News that vaccine promotion efforts need to address historical abuses and disparities in healthcare systems.
A Nationwide Shelter-in-Place Order?
Monday, November 23, 2020
Dr. Mark Dworkin told Newsy, a U.S.-based news service, that a nationwide shelter-in-place order to lower COVID-19 infections is unlikely and possibly not legal.
WBEZ: Workers Log COVID Complaints on the Job
Monday, November 23, 2020
Dr. Linda Forst told Chicago Public Radio workplace safety can be mitigated with social distancing, masks, paid sick leave and healthcare coverage.
For-Profit and Non-Profit Nursing Homes
Sunday, November 22, 2020
Michael Gelder, faculty in SPH's undergraduate programs, told WBEZ that preparation for a pandemic should be a important part of the operation of nursing homes.
ABC 7 News Coverage: COVID Sewage Tracking
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Dr. Samuel Dorevitch was interviewed by ABC 7 News Chicago on efforts to track the spread of COVID-19 by analyzing sewage from Chicago-area wastewater treatment plants.
CBS 2 Coverage: COVID Sewage Tracking
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Abhilasha Shrestha, PhD '19, MPH '13, and a research assistant professor at SPH, was interviewed by CBS 2 News Chicago on SPH's analysis of wastewater to identify COVID-19 outbreaks.
Clues in the Sewage in the COVID Fight
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
The Chicago Tribune profiled a grant-funded project at the School of Public Health analyzing Chicago wastewater for COVID-19 to identify geographic outbreaks.
Grocery Store Capacity Limits
Friday, November 13, 2020
Dr. Linda Forst analyzed City of Chicago provisions to enforce capacity limits in grocery stores, noting employees, not shoppers, are likely most at risk during the pandemic.
Tracking Illinois COVID-19 Outbreaks
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
SPH's Michael Cailas was featured on Illinois Public Media analyzing rising COVID-19 numbers across the state of Illinois and implications as the pandemic continues.
WSJ: States Struggling with COVID Surges
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Dr. Mark Dworkin told the Wall Street Journal that use of masks and volume of contact tracing in some states may not be sufficient to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Analyzing Chicago Hospital Closures
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Dr. Linda Rae Murray analyzed hospital closures in Chicago that are particularly impacting neighborhoods with predominant Black populations, noting closures may accelerate.
A billboard at the Illinois state border stating: Welcome to Illinois, the Land of Lincoln.
USA Today Investigates Undisclosed COVID Outbreaks
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Michael Cailas was interviewed in an investigate report by USA Today on undisclosed COVID-19 outbreaks in Illinois, noting lack of specificity in reporting outbreaks influences behavior.
Illinois Data Challenges with COVID Reporting
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Michael Cailas told ABC 7 Chicago News lags in data reporting and lack of specificity in reporting outbreaks, particularly in workplaces, may be spurring some outbreaks.
Community Testing Sites in Chicago
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Dr. Howard Ehrman, MPH '91, told the Chicago Sun-Times COVID-19 testing sites need consistency in location and availability, particularly in Chicago's south and west sides.
Precarious Finances for Community Hospitals
Monday, September 28, 2020
Dr. Linda Rae Murray, MPH '80 and adjunct assistant professor, was interviewed by Crain's Chicago on the state of finances for local community hospitals across the city.
Protecting Food Vendors in the Pandemic
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
LaRaza, a Spanish-language Chicago newspaper, profiled a UIC Center for Healthy Work project creating informational posters to promote safety for food vendors in Little Village.
Evaluating Mask Use and Fit
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
Dr. Jay Bhatt, MPH '02, told Good Morning America how tightly a mask fits to a person's face has a significant impact on how a mask stops droplets.
Planning for Flu Season During the Pandemic
Monday, September 14, 2020
Paul Sambanis told the South Korean news program Global Insight that flu season planning should focus on the most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wall Street Journal Analyzes Future of Healthcare
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
SPH's Suzet McKinney took part in a nationwide analysis for the Wall Street Journal on the future of hospitals and healthcare delivery as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Telemedicine's Rise Brings Access Questions
Friday, August 28, 2020
SPH's Uchechi Mitchell told the Tampa Bay Tribune the rise of telemedicine should be accompanied by efforts to ensure accessibility for all populations.
Disinfection Plans for Airlines
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
SPH's Dr. Peter Orris cautioned new disinfectant sprays for use on airplanes approved by the EPA contain irritants and can be toxic to humans in large doses.
Pandemic Challenges in For-Profit Nursing Home
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
SPH's Lee Friedman analyzed the challenges posed by for-profit nursing homes and lack of patient and staff protections during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Contact Tracing Planning in Chicago
Friday, July 24, 2020
PhD student Ayo Olagoke told Patch contact tracing efforts won't succeed in isolation; the public health strategy requires all guidances from public health officials to be followed.
Testing Needs in Illinois Jails and Prisons
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
Sage Kim told Illinois Public Media the Illinois Department of Corrections needs to increase inmate testing to protect both incarcerated populations and surrounding communities.
Needle Exchange Centers See More Traffic
Monday, July 20, 2020
Dr. Sarah Messmer with SPH's Community Outreach Intervention Projects told the Chicago Tribune needle exchange clients are returning to the center's Chicago health clinics.
Tribune Highlights Masks for Moms Fundraising Push
Friday, July 17, 2020
The Masks for Moms engagement project is seeking donations to purchase masks for pregnant women in Chicago as they access the healthcare system.
Confrontations on Mask Usage
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
Dr. Mark Dworkin told the Chicago Tribune confrontations over mask usage underlie the basic public health realities and guidelines for use of face masks.
Airborne Transmission of Virus Should be Focus
Saturday, July 11, 2020
Lisa Brosseau told the MIT Technology Review a growing body of evidence is pointing toward airborne transmission as the primary source of COVID-19 infection.
Environmental Justice Efforts in Little Village
Friday, July 10, 2020
Dr. Sam Dorevitch was featured on a WYNC podcast on a demolition in Chicago in April that sent debris and particulate matter into Little Village.
Student Guardsman Profiled by Tribune
Friday, July 10, 2020
With the Illinois National Guard's deployment winding to a close, the Chicago Tribune profiled their mission, including MPH student Samuel Rene's role in COVID-19 testing.
A lab technician processes a COVID-19 test.
New Study Highlights Role of Disparities
Thursday, July 9, 2020
Uchechi Mitchell tells the New York Times factors like obesity, heart disease and severe asthma are inextricably linked to structural racism.
Ethylene Oxide for PPE Sterilization?
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Dr. Susan Buchanan told Grist the risks of exposure to ethylene oxide emissions for residents living near emitting plants needs to be taken into account during the pandemic.
Ethylene Oxide Use on the Rise During Pandemic
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Dr. Peter Orris told Grist ethylene oxide has been proven to pose a cancer risk, as the gas is increasingly used to sterilize personal protective equipment.
Reopening Plans for Restaurants
Monday, June 29, 2020
Dr. Peter Orris, chief of occupational and environmental medicine at UI Health, told Restaurant Business restaurants need to be flexible as they adopt best practices.
A CDC graphic showing that current use of flavored electronic cigarettes has increased among high school students.
Letter to Sun-Times Details Flavored Tobacco Risks
Thursday, June 25, 2020
SPH Dean Wayne Giles pointed to flavored tobacco as a driver of health inequities in Chicago and a risk factor for severe COVID-19 illness.
Public Health Concerns and Anti-Racism Protests
Monday, June 15, 2020
Uchechi Mitchell told Public Radio International efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic are intertwined with a push to address anti-racism in the wake of the murder of George Floyd.
Return to Work for Bank Examiners
Monday, June 15, 2020
Dr. Peter Orris addressed the safety needs of bank examiners returning to on-site work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Law360 Cites Expert Testimony
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Dr. Peter Orris testified in the Circuit Court of Cook County on safety measures and trainings during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect workers.
Analyzing Chicago's Phase 3 Reopening Amidst Protests
Monday, June 8, 2020
Alumna Dr. Janet Lin '04 was interviewed by Chicago Public Radio on the city's move to phase 3 of reopening amidst large-scale gatherings protesting George Floyd's murder.
Slate: How Police Responses to Protests Impact COVID-19
Friday, June 5, 2020
Yamilé Molina noted crowded holding cells and the use of tear gas, leading to mass coughing in large groups, may drive increases in COVID-19 infections.
A large group protest of George Floyd's murder in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Nationwide Protests and COVID-19
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
Dr. Ron Hershow told the Associated Press mass protests over the murder of George Floyd illustrate the role of racism in both Floyd's death and the spread of COVID-19.
Mandatory Mask Orders in 15 States
Friday, May 29, 2020
Lisa Brosseau told Vox mandatory orders to wear masks in public spaces should be accompanied by an explanation of the limitations of homemade masks.
Worker Safety at Salons and Barbershops
Thursday, May 28, 2020
Dr. Linda Forst cautioned safety measures may help protect customers, but customers need to monitor their own health and exposure to protect staff working a full day.
Protecting Workers at a Chicago Ford Plant
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Dr. Linda Forst told CBS 2 News Chicago paid sick leave is crucial to protect workers at the Ford Chicago Assembly Plant, which reopened after a shutdown due to a COVID-19 outbreak.
Opening Steps for Gyms and Workout Classes
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Dr. Mark Dworkin analyzed gym reopenings and the resumption of workout classes during the COVID-19 pandemic, calling for disinfection of surfaces and mask wearing.
Nursing Home Preparations for COVID-19
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Dr. Ron Hershow told WGLT Public Radio preparations by Bloomington, Ill. nursing homes for COVID-19 are influenced by a certain degree of luck.
Unpacking the Mask Debate
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Talking Points Memo cites the work of SPH's Margaret Sietsema, PhD '15, MS '11, and Lisa Brosseau on the evidence basis for widespread mask usage during the pandemic.
Reopening Plans for Small Gyms
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Dr. Ron Hershow analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of smaller and larger gyms to maintain health and infection control as they plan to reopen in Illinois' Phase 3.
A series of homemade cloth masks in a variety of colors.
Mask Orders and the Science of Homemade Masks
Sunday, May 17, 2020
Lisa Brosseau said in a radio interview there is little research on the use of cloth masks and questioned the efficacy of mask usage by asymptomatic people with COVID-19.
How COVID-19 is Impacting Midwest Manufacturers
Saturday, May 16, 2020
Preethi Pratap told NBC News the U.S. Department of Labor and OSHA could be more vigorous in their enforcement of standards to protect worker safety during the pandemic.
Use of Disinfectants in the Travel Industry
Thursday, May 14, 2020
Dr. Peter Orris told ABC News disinfection should be a priority for airlines and the travel industry, but the side effects of disinfectants need to be taken into account.
A medic with the Massachusetts National Guard takes a nasal swab that will be used to test for COVID-19 with a resident of a nursing home in Littleton, Mass.
Where Does Coronavirus Medical Trash Go?
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Dr. Peter Orris told the Charleston Post and Courier hospital systems are well-equipped to handle the technical challenges of COVID-19-related waste disposal.
Ethylene Oxide as Disinfection During COVID-19
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Dr. Peter Orris analyzed the effects of ethylene oxide emissions for Politico as the gas is used to disinfect masks and recommended the use of hydrogen peroxide vapor as an alternative.
Analyzing Illinois COVID-19 Cases and Fatalities
Saturday, May 9, 2020
Dr. Mark Dworkin told the Daily Herald the varied availability of testing is driving discrepancies in positive tests and presumed fatality rates, both in Illinois and with other states.
Infection Control in Nursing Homes
Friday, May 8, 2020
Dr. Ron Hershow was interviewed by NBC 5 Chicago on infection control violations in Illinois nursing homes and how these citations can impact the spread of COVID-19.
Politics and Science Collide with Restore Illinois Plan
Friday, May 8, 2020
Dr. Mark Dworkin analyzed the Restore Illinois plan and alternatives that could be available, stressing the need for preventive measures to take precedence.
A bag of masks, a bottle of Naxolone, a bag of clean needles and an informational flyer, all part of supplies distributed to people who use drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic by SPH's Community Outreach Intervention Projects.
Needle Exchange Programs Contend with COVID-19 Realities
Friday, May 8, 2020
The Better Government Association profiled SPH's Community Outreach Intervention Projects and efforts to provide for the needs of people who use drugs during the pandemic.
Infection Levels and Plans for Reopening
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
SPH's Dr. Mark Dworkin offered insights in the Daily Herald on the Restore Illinois plan for loosening shelter-in-place restrictions, calling for key public health practices.
Alumnus Featured on "Doctor in the House"
Sunday, May 3, 2020
Karriem Watson, MPH in Community Health Sciences '10, was featured on WVON's weekly medical show analyzing the effects of COVID-19 on Chicago's Black population.
Business Insider Focuses on Office Layouts
Friday, May 1, 2020
SPH's Apostolis Sambanis, PhD '16 and MPH '12, was featured in Business Insider addressing steps for reopening offices in the wake of COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders.
Illustration of contact tracing, showing how an infected person infects another out of a group of people. The new infected person then infects a new person in a different group, and so on.
ABC 7 Story Focuses on Contact Tracing
Thursday, April 30, 2020
In an interview, SPH's Dr. Mark Dworkin focused on the urgent need for contact tracing after lack of availability of testing allowed COVID-19 infections to spread across Illinois.
Advertisement for Masks for Moms, showing a pink face mask and text stating: Masks for Moms, helping moms and babies stay safe.
In the News: Masks for Moms Volunteer Program
Monday, April 27, 2020
Block Club Chicago featured a collaboration co-led by SPH's UIC Center for Excellence in Maternal and Child Health to equip expectant moms in the city with masks.
Center for Illinois Politics Analyzes State Response
Sunday, April 19, 2020
SPH's Dr. Mark Dworkin, professor of epidemiology, was interviewed by the advocacy group in an analysis of Illinois' response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
When Will Chicago Reach its COVID-19 Peak?
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Dr. Ron Hershow told Chicago Public Radio that predicting infection rates is complicated by the lack of availability of testing and how long people will adhere to distancing.
An aerial view of the demolition of a smokestack at the Crawford Generating Station, which generated a plume of dust that diffused through Chicago's Little Village neighborhood.
South Side Weekly: Risk is in the Air
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
SPH's Dr. Susan Buchanan analyzed a demolition which generated a huge plume of dust that descended upon residents of Little Village during the COVID-19 outbreak.
FactCheck.org Review: Masks for All?
Thursday, April 9, 2020
Analysis from Margaret Sietsema, PhD '15, MS '11, was featured by the fact-checking website analyzing the scientific evidence for mask usage by the general public.
UPI: Face Masks as COVID-19 Prevention
Thursday, April 9, 2020
SPH's Dr. Mark Dworkin was interviewed by the news service on the science behind recommendations from the CDC that the general public wear face masks.
Buzzfeed Article Examines "Superspreader" Events
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
SPH's Dr. Mark Dworkin called for humanizing the scientific term, calling for understanding of the spread of the virus at birthday parties and funerals before social distancing.
Investigating COVID-19 Rates in Chicagoland Communities
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
SPH's Dr. Linda Rae Murray told NBC 5 Chicago the virus is exposing stark social and economic inequities in society as those who cannot work from home are at high risk.
NPR: In Chicago, COVID-19 Is Hitting The Black Community Hard
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
SPH's Dr. Linda Rae Murray said the prevalence of chronic diseases among Black residents of the city is a major factor increasing risk for severe COVID-19 infection.
Coal Companies Aim to Cut the Tax They Pay to Support Black-Lung Miners
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
SPH's Dr. Robert Cohen was cited in the Washington Post, analyzing trends in Black Lung diagnoses as coal companies seek to reduce payments to a healthcare trust fund.
Analysis Examines Mask Usage in Canada
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
An commentary by Margaret Sietsema and Lisa Brosseau was featured by the Toronto Star in a discussion of the proposed widespread use of masks during COVID-19.
Chicago Reporter Analyzes Prison Response
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
SPH's Sage Kim noted Illinois jails and prisons have disproportionately high rates of people with chronic illness, an indicator of risk for severe COVID-19 infection.
In the News: The Debate on Airborne Transmission
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Lisa Brosseau analyzed how a virus could be transmitted in an airborne fashion, based on the science of the dispersion of droplets and aerosols.
ABC7 Profiles Drive-Up COVID-19 Testing at UIC
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Alumnus Karriem Watson spoke about the need of readily available testing for Mile Square Health Centers' clients, many of whom are in low-income households.
Coal Miners in the US Brace for COVID-19
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
SPH's Dr. Robert Cohen noted a complicating factor in caring for miners during the outbreak is that not all cases of Black Lung disease among miners have been identified.
A map showing COVID-19 deaths in Chicago by neighborhood area and by race.
In Chicago, 70 Percent of COVID-19 Deaths Are Black
Monday, April 6, 2020
In an interview with WBEZ, SPH's Dr. Linda Rae Murray and Antonio Davis Jimenez analyzed how COVID-19 is impacting vulnerable populations in the City of Chicago.
In the News: Analyzing Racial Disparities in COVID-19 Deaths
Monday, April 6, 2020
Dr. Linda Rae Murray was quoted in a Newsweek article addressing the racial disparities in COVID-19 deaths in Chicago.
A coal train passes through a mining area in the Appalachian Mountains in West Virginia.
Appalachian Coal Communities Brace For Coronavirus: It’s Going ‘To Wipe Us Out’
Saturday, April 4, 2020
Dr. Leonard Go tells the Huffington Post active and retired miners with Black Lung disease are facing challenges to healthcare access during the COVID-19 outbreak.
NBC5 Investigates: Illinois Ranks on Lower End of COVID-19 Testing
Friday, April 3, 2020
SPH's Dr. Mark Dworkin explained that the different pace of infections in states may explain some differences in testing but said more testing is needed everywhere.
A screenshot of the video broadcast of the Chicago Department of Public Health's daily COVID-19 update, with Dr. Allison Arwady and SPH's Dr. Janet Lin seated at a table discussing issues related to the outbreak.
Alumna Janet Lin Joins CDPH Daily Video Update
Friday, April 3, 2020
Lin joined Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady to discuss the latest news and public health strategies on COVID-19.
MINER Center Analyzes COVID-19 Risks for Australian Miners
Thursday, April 2, 2020
Dr. Robert Cohen, director of the UIC Mining and Education Research Center, noted that black lung disease puts miners at risk for severe infection.
In the News: Household Cleaning Products and COVID-19
Thursday, April 2, 2020
SPH's Dr. Susan Buchanan was interviewed by the Chicago Tribune on the the effects of chemical exposure during ramped-up household cleaning products usage.
Some Chicagoans May Be Facing Coronavirus Without Water At Home
Thursday, April 2, 2020
Dr. Samuel Dorevitch was interviewed by Chicago Public Radio on the COVID-19 challenges related to Chicagoans unable to access water due to service cut-offs.
In the News: Analyzing the Need for Facemarks
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Margaret Sietsema, PhD, assistant professor of environmental and occupational health sciences, was featured in Medium on the benefits of a face mask outdoors, advising that natural factors like wind and weather tend to disperse…
General Iron's scrapyard on Chicago's north side.
In the News: Concerns over Local Air Pollution and COVID-19
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
SPH's Serap Erdal cites studies in a Chicago Tribune story revealing how exposure to air pollution can make it more difficult for people to fight off viruses like COVID-19.
The Debate over COVID-19 as an Airborne Virus
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Lisa Brosseau's recent commentaries on respirators were referenced in an article by The Atlantic addressing questions regarding the airborne nature of COVID-19.
Washington Post: Analyzing COVID-19 Risks for Coal Miners
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Dr. Robert Cohen, director of the UIC Mining Education and Resource Center, warned the Post of miners' pre-existing respiratory illnesses.
In the News: Death Projections Can Make Us Feel Helpless
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Dr. Mark Dworkin and Hakan Demiritas, PhD, analyze for Mother Jones how focusing on statistics of COVID-19 may raise public anxiety at a time when anxiety is already high.
In the News: Analyzing NYC's COVID-19 Response
Monday, March 30, 2020
The Associated Press interviewed Dr. Mark Dworkin on New York City's response to COVID-19 and the difficulties of implementing massive changes to public life.
Support for the public defender’s emergency petition for release of detainees
Friday, March 27, 2020
Faculty and researchers from the School and Public Health and across UIC call for a release of at-risk non-violent offenders during COVID-19.
In the News: Dating and COVID-19
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Alumna Kate Vergara, PhD, was interviewed by CBS 2 News Chicago on recommendations for dating and social distancing during the COVID-19 outbreak.
In the News: PhD Student on COVID-19 Little Village Impact
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Delores Castaneda analyzes how residents of this Chicago neighborhood are responding to the economic challenges of COVID-19.
WGN News: Professor explains social distancing
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Dr. Ron Hershow, professor of epidemiology, appeared on WGN's Morning News explaining the importance of social distancing in the absence of widespread testing for COVID-19.
Miners Fear the Impacts COVID-19 Could Have in Coal Country
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Dr. Leonard Go with the UIC Black Lung Center of Excellence analyzed for Gizmodo the impact of COVID-19 on limited healthcare resources in rural areas.
Investigating New York's 'Breathtaking' Outbreak
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
SPH's Dr. Mark Dworkin was featured in an Associated Press article on the speed and depth of the COVID-19 outbreak in New York City and the challenges for government leaders.
In the News: Why the Coronavirus is Worse than the Flu and When to Seek Medical Attention
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Dr. Maximo Brito, MPH in Epidemiology '10 was interviewed by Chicago Health Magazine on the differences between seasonal flu and COVID-19.
Suburban hospitals add rooms, beds for COVID-19 patients - will they be enough?
Monday, March 23, 2020
The Daily Herald interviews SPH's Dr. Ron Hershow on efforts to prepare for an influx of COVID-19 patients in the western suburbs.
Podcast: COVID-19 and Outdoor Recreation
Saturday, March 21, 2020
Dr. Ron Hershow was the featured guest on the "Teach Me About the Great Lakes" podcast discussing outdoor recreation and social distancing during COVID-19.
How Illinois hospitals are preparing for a flood of COVID-19 patients
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Dr. Mark Dworkin was featured in an analysis by the Chicago Tribune on preparations by Illinois hospitals for an influx of COVID-19 patients.
In the News: Elena Grossman on COVID-19 and Climate Change
Thursday, March 19, 2020
WBEZ’s “Reset” featured SPH’s Elena Grossman, program manager of BRACE Illinois, discussing how climate change will exacerbate the frequency and intensity of diseases like COVID-19.
Webinar: COVID-19 and Housing
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Dr. Mark Dworkin, professor of epidemiology, and Sinan Almukhtar, PhD in Epidemiology student, hosted a webinar on housing access and COVID-19 through the National Housing Conference.
In the News: Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing Comes to Chicago
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
SPH's Dr. Ron Hershow analyzed the usefulness of appointment-based drive-through testing for COVID-19 coming to areas of Chicagoland in a Chicago Tribune story.
Virtual Town Hall Outlines Pandemic
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Dr. Ron Hershow took part in a call led by U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, explaining what is known about COVID-19 for residents of the Quad Cities area.
AP: Nursing Home Preparations in Seattle
Saturday, March 7, 2020
SPH's Dr. Mark Dworkin told the Associated Press the need for mobilization at the Kirkland, WA nursing home should be reflected in settings across the country.
In the News: The Need for Facemarks
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Dr. Mark Dworkin joined John Williams on WGN Radio to describe the efficacy of face masks in this new age of COVID-19.