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COVID-19 Commentaries and Policy Briefs

School of Public Health faculty, students, researchers and centers staff offer recommendations on the next steps forward.

Buildings line Main Street in the town of Warren, Illinois.
New Recommendations Aim to End Illinois’ Rural Health Crisis
Monday, June 14, 2021
SPH's Policy, Practice and Prevention Research Center is a part of a statewide group studying the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of rural residents.
A father holds a newborn baby as the recuperating mother lies asleep in a bed nearby.
Strengthening maternal and child health in the pandemic
Monday, May 3, 2021
SPH's Arden Handler co-authored a new commentary outlining the key lessons in maternal and child health from the pandemic and ways to strengthen public health and healthcare.
A man takes his own blood pressure using a telehealth device.
Policy recommendations for aging rural populations in the pandemic
Thursday, April 15, 2021
A new report from SPH and statewide partners identifies digital literacy, holistic services and social isolation as key health challenges for Illinois' aging rural populations.
Workers walk among equipment laid across the floor of a warehouse.
Addressing precarious employment during the COVID-19 pandemic
Monday, April 12, 2021
SPH researchers who studied capacity-building initiatives to address precarious employment apply their findings to the workers at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A sign on a brick wall for the Cook County Jail Department of Corrections.
Network Characteristics of Cook County Jail COVID Outbreak
Monday, March 8, 2021
Professor Peter Orris and alumna Rebecca Levin are co-authors of a CDC report analyzing network effects of COVID-19 transmission at the Cook County Jail.
GIS Maps Use Social Vulnerability to Highlight Vaccine Needs
Monday, March 1, 2021
A new series of public health geographic information systems maps compare social vulnerability and COVID-19 deaths across Midwest counties as a tool to identify vaccine needs.
Patrons eat at outdoor tables under canopies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Illinois Revenue Losses Not as Severe as Expected
Monday, February 15, 2021
A new report from the Institute for Public and Government Affairs, co-authored by SPH's Lisa Powell, finds Illinois revenue losses were not as drastic as feared during the pandemic.
A medical professional fills a needle with the COVID-19 vaccine solution in preparation for an inoculation.
Current State Immunization Laws and COVID-19
Monday, February 8, 2021
SPH researchers analyze current state laws on vaccinations for children attending school, analyzing how exemptions and opt-outs could impact COVID-19 vaccination efforts.
Conveyor belts at an Amazon warehouse in Baltimore, Maryland.
Amicus Brief: Supporting Amazon Warehouse Workers
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
SPH's Linda Forst is the co-author of an amicus brief that brings together nationwide occupational health experts in support of Amazon workers protesting pandemic work conditions.
Black workers march in Philadelphia calling for justice for workers and George Floyd in the wake of his murder.
Black, Hispanic Americans are Overrepresented in Essential Jobs
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
In an amicus brief supporting Amazon workers in the pandemic, SPH's Linda Forst notes Black, Latino and Hispanic Americans are disproportionately represented as warehouse workers.
A group of workers hold signs while protesting outside an Amazon warehouse in Shakopee, Minnesota.
Paid Sick Leave in Public Health Crises
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
SPH's Linda Forst co-authored an amicus brief supporting Amazon workers, detailing how lack of paid sick leave leads to presenteeism and infection in the workplace.
An Amazon warehouse in Baltimore, Maryland.
COVID-19 Risks to Warehouse Workers
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
An amicus brief co-authored by SPH's Linda Forst details how warehouse workers are particularly at risk to infection during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Report Examines Pandemic Effects on Middle Class
Monday, November 30, 2020
Tiffany Ford, MPH in Community Health Sciences '16, is the co-author of a new report tracking the struggles of the middle class before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
An empty downtown intersection in Aurora, Illinois.
Analysis of Shelter-in-Place Impact on Illinois Businesses
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
A new report from the Institute of Public and Government Affairs' COVID-19 Task Force, including SPH's Lisa Powell, analyzed the effects of shelter-in-place orders on Illinois businesses.
Visualizing COVID-19's Impact by Racial Demographics
Monday, October 26, 2020
Geographic information systems mapping highlights significant differences between White and Black populations in Chicago in terms of COVID-19 mortality in long term care facilities.
Vice President Mike Pence speaks at a podium during a Coronavirus Task Force press briefing.
Op-Ed: Public Health Experts Needed at Forefront of Pandemic
Monday, October 12, 2020
In a Boston Globe op-ed, SPH's Ashley Bieniek-Tobasco questions why physicians without public health expertise are leading the federal government's COVID-19 response.
California National Guard members load potatoes into the back of a truck, with boxes of food stacked behind them.
SPH Experts Author Food Assistance Recommendations
Thursday, September 10, 2020
Alumna Sabrina Young, PhD, and professor Marian Fitzgibbon, PhD, write for the Society of Behavioral Medicine arguing for increased food assistance during and after the pandemic.
A graph showing distribution of mortality per ZIP code for Black household population in Chicagoland (as of July 1, 2020).
COVID-19 Data Analysis: ZIP Code Data and Health Inequities
Thursday, August 27, 2020
Analysis from SPH's Policy, Practice and Prevention Research Center highlights how even granular ZIP code level data can obscure trends in COVID-19 fatalities.
COVID-19 Data Analysis: Implications on Mortality Based on Race
Monday, August 24, 2020
Analysis from SPH's Policy, Practice and Prevention Research Center highlights gaps in population data hiding the impact of nursing home fatalities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 Data Analysis: Chicago Socioeconomic Conditions & Health Outcomes
Monday, August 17, 2020
The magnitude of COVID-19 on long-term care facility residents in Chicago is likely to distort associations between neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics and disease outcomes.
COVID-19 Data Analysis: Spatial Distribution of Mortality in Chicago
Monday, August 17, 2020
Data analysis indicates that residency status, in terms of general population or long-term care facility populations, can skew data on COVID-19 cases and fatalities.
An aerial view of Merchandise Mart, lit up with a graphic of the Chicago flag and text stating
COVID-19 Mortality in Chicagoland: Data Limitations and Solutions
Monday, August 17, 2020
A new report from SPH's Policy, Practice and Prevention Research Center examines hidden implications from COVID-19 fatality statistics across Chicagoland.
Chief Master-at-Arms Mark Durben, from Coshocton, Ohio, attached to Naval Magazine Indian Island, speaks at a Veterans Day ceremony at Seaport Landing Retirement and Assisted Living in Port Townsend, Wash.
Commentary: Pandemic Lessons on Senior Care
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
SPH's Susan Hughes argues the COVID-19 pandemic represents a clarion call to rethink senior care in the United States, focused on socialization and worker pay and safety.
A scientist prepares a dose of a vaccine in an injection needle for a clinical trial.
Analyzing Phase 3 COVID-19 Vaccine Trials
Thursday, July 16, 2020
Chris Barker, PhD in Biostatistics '81, explains the biostatistical science behind the phase 3 trials of a vaccine candidate in a study at UIC from Moderna, a biotech company.
A screenshot of the World Health Organization website.
WHO Declaration by U.S. Health Collaborating Centers
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
Directors of World Health Organization Collaborating Centers across the United States call on the Trump administration to continue support of the WHO.
An aerial view of the Stateville Correctional Center.
The Pandemic Behind Bars
Monday, July 6, 2020
SPH's Sage Kim and alumnus Timothy Jostrand detail the spread of COVID-19 in Illinois jails and prisons and offer recommendations for protecting inmates and workers.
An aerial view of the Cook County Jail.
Limiting COVID-19 Transmission by Reduced Inmate Populations
Monday, July 6, 2020
An analysis of early release of offenders as an infection control strategy, highlighting further public health challenges that need to be addressed by early release.
Two medical professionals, dressed in personal protective gowns, masks and face shields, prepare a COVID-19 test sample for processing.
Testing and Social Isolation Needs in Jails and Prisons
Monday, July 6, 2020
This analysis explores two critical needs in correctional settings:  providing inmates facing extreme social isolation with outlets for interaction and ensuring testing supplies are adequate to mitigate an outbreak.
The building of the Cermak Health Service at the Cook County Jail.
Attending to Inmates' Basic Public Health Needs
Monday, July 6, 2020
An analysis of steps local and state leaders can take to ensure basic public health needs of inmates are met during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
An aerial view of the Chicago skyline at dusk, with University Hall and UIC's East Campus in the foreground.
Community-Based Organizations COVID-19 Needs Assessment
Monday, June 15, 2020
Professor Sage Kim and alumna Wendy Bostwick, MPH '01 & PhD '05, analyzed the needs of Chicago community-based organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers press briefing at the Pentagon.
A National Security Case for Public Health Infrastructure and Universal Healthcare
Saturday, June 13, 2020
Professor Ashley Bieniek-Tobasco argues cuts to public health funding and lack of healthcare access for American citizens represent strategic threats to the United States.
Wabash Avenue in Chicago, under the L tracks, is devoid of traffic during COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders.
The Pandemic on Main Street
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
SPH's Sage Kim, PhD, co-authored a report for the Institute of Government and Public Affairs exploring the public health, economic and social decisions facing local leaders in the state.
COVID-19 Shows How Safety Net Fails Nursing Home Residents
Friday, June 5, 2020
Susan Hughes with the Center for Research on Health and Aging writes in a letter to the Chicago Tribune of the failings to protect nursing home residents during the pandemic.
State Street in Chicago is dark and devoid of traffic during the COVID-19 shelter-in-place.
New Report Documents Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Illinois' Economy
Monday, June 1, 2020
SPH's Lisa Powell is part of an Institute for Government and Public Affairs working group examining economic losses and what a recovery may look like in Illinois.
Two Huntington Beach police cars are parked near a beach, where police are monitoring beach closures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Analysis: First Responders' Needs for Personal Medical Information
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Dr. Ron Hershow provided expert analysis in an Illinois court case, arguing strong patient privacy rights support infection control and encourage best practices for first responders.
Mile Square Health Center's Roosevelt Ave. location at night.
How the COVID-19 Stimulus Packages Compensate Health Care Providers
Friday, May 15, 2020
SPH's Marcus Dillender, PhD, analyzes how federal bills impact hospital reimbursement for COVID-19 treatments and financial support as elective procedures are paused.
New Research Explores Decline in Workers' Compensation Payouts
Monday, May 11, 2020
The study from SPH's Marcus Dillender, PhD, raises questions about the preparedness of the workers' compensation system to mitigate a high volume of illness claims.
A doctor monitors the condition of two COVID-19 patients using ventilators.
Report Details Needs in Supporting State Healthcare Workforce
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Alumni Dr. Mark Rosenblatt and Nicole Gonzalez are a part of the Institute of Government and Public Affair's healthcare workforce working group that published the report.
Two smokestacks emit white clouds of exhaust.
COVID-19 and Air Pollution
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
SPH's Great Lakes Center for Children's Environmental Health examines the public health concerns of particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5) and its connections to COVID-19 fatalities.
Illustration of a variety of workers engaged in work, all wearing face masks.
COVID-19 Guide for Workers in Illinois
Monday, May 4, 2020
Three centers at the UIC School of Public Health published a guide detailing current federal and state protections for workers and benefits available during the COVID-19 outbreak.
An aerial view of Chicago's South Loop neighborhood on the first day of the COVID-19 shelter in place order, with roadways virtually empty.
Report Examines Community Stress from COVID-19, Need for Resilience
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
SPH's Dr. Ron Hershow co-authored a report with scholars from across the University of Illinois system on the effects of shelter-in-place on family and community wellness.
Statement on COVID-19-Related Anti-Asian Discrimination
Monday, April 27, 2020
The UIC School of Public Health responds to acts of bias, discrimination and stigma on the basis of their perceived identity as persons of Asian descent during COVID-19.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot addresses issues of racial equity at a COVID-19 press conference.
A Case for Investing in Academic-Community Engagement: COVID-19
Friday, April 24, 2020
With the pandemic revealing health inequities and systemic racism, the SPH Collaboratory for Health Justice offers recommendations for community engaged work on COVID-19.
A map showing social vulnerability and COVID-19 deaths by zip code in Chicago.
Commentary: COVID-19 Racial Disparities
Thursday, April 23, 2020
The School of Public Health's Collaboratory for Health Justice calls for partnership with communities of color for research and action on disparities in COVID-19 deaths.
A home care aide prepares breakfast for an elderly woman in the woman's kitchen.
Empowering Home Care Aides to Care For Frail Older Adults During COVID-19
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
SPH's Naoko Muramatsu details the specific risks home care aides face, including lack of access to remote work and their own personal health risks as older workers.
A billboard states
Racial Inequality in the Distribution of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Chicago
Thursday, April 16, 2020
SPH's Sage Kim examines how health disparities embedded in the social structure of Chicago lead to the disproportionate share of COVID-19 deaths among Black residents.
Chicago Federally Qualified Health Centers Capacity Report
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Federally qualified health centers in Chicago are closed but play a crucial role in providing telehealth and COVID-19 testing for low-income residents.
A solitary rider wears a mask while waiting for a CTA train at an underground station in Chicago.
Policy Report Examines COVID-19 Effects on Illinois Finances
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
SPH's Lisa Powel co-authored a report from the University of Illinois system's Institute of Government and Public Affairs comparing the current situation to the 2007-09 Recession.
A farm worker adjust his cap holding a box of picked produce, while walking between rows of green plants. Other workers are harvesting in the background.
Keeping Essential Temporary Workers Healthy During COVID-19
Monday, April 13, 2020
SPH's Dr. Linda Forst addressed the moral imperative to protect essential workers during a press conference hosted by the Chicago Workers Collaborative.
A grocery store in Seattle, with a cashier checking out a customer's items.
Protecting the Health and Safety of our Essential Workers
Thursday, April 9, 2020
Preethi Pratap and Marsha Love with SPH's Great Lakes Center for Occupational Health and Safety argue for specific steps to protect essential workers during COVID-19.
A person holds an N95 respirator mask in their hand.
Commentary: Respirators can be reused, but decontamination not well studied
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Professors Margaret Sietsema, PhD '15, MS '11, and Lisa Brosseau, PhD, offer insight on steps hospitals are taking to conserve PPE resources addressing COVID-19.
A hospital room at the University of Illinois Hospital at Chicago.
Resource Response Brief: Illinois Healthcare Capacity in Preparing for the Peak of COVID-19 Cases by Mid-April
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
With Illinois COVID-19 cases estimated to peak between April 17 and April 20, this policy brief examines the capacity of hospital beds and ICU beds across the state.
When home does not offer shelter: partner violence in the time of pandemics
Saturday, April 4, 2020
Professor Alisa Velonis and alumna Molly McGown with the UIC Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health examine risks and recommendations for partner violence during COVID-19.
An N95 respirator mask.
Commentary: In Mask Debate, Social Distancing Remains Priority
Thursday, April 2, 2020
Among widespread misinformation about masks and respirators, SPH's Lisa Brosseau and Margaret Sietsema, PhD '19, MS '15, offer recommendations on best practices during COVID-19.
A chart showing the volume of COVID-19 infections over time in Illinois, along with major policy dates.
Policy Brief: Federal Disaster Declaration and COVID-19 Executive Order No. 12
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Alumnus Timothy Jostrand, MPH '19, analyzes a federal disaster declaration and steps to strengthen the healthcare work force in Illinois.
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.
Protecting Women’s, Pregnant Persons’ and Infants' Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Friday, March 27, 2020
Researchers from the UIC Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health examine the needs of pregnant women and infants during the COVID-19 outbreak.
A Geographic Look at Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities in Chicago
Thursday, March 26, 2020
This brief looks at geographic areas of Chicago with large numbers of vulnerable residents in elderly care facilities during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Policy Brief: Analyzing Illinois' Shelter-in-Place Order
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
A new policy brief analyzes the impact of Governor Pritzker's shelter-in-place order and its effects on the transmission of COVID-19.
A chart showing the volume of COVID-19 infections over time in Illinois.
Policy Brief: Policy Impacts on the Spread of COVID-19
Friday, March 20, 2020
Policy implementations in Illinois to promote social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic are designed to curtail the spread rate. However, the benefits will not be seen immediately.
Senator Chuck Schumer speaks with Congressional colleagues while addressing the media on the details of a paid sick leave bill.
Policy Brief: Why Paid Sick Leave is an Effective Treatment Against Coronavirus COVID-19
Friday, March 20, 2020
Providing all Americans with access to paid sick leave should slow the spread of COVID-19 by encouraging more Americans to stay home when sick.
Media practicing social distancing listen during a press conference at the White House.
Commentary: COVID-19 Transmission Messages Should Hinge on Science
Monday, March 16, 2020
SPH's Lisa Brosseau calls for science-based communications about aerosol transmission of viruses and preparation of the healthcare workforce for COVID-19.
A person disinfects a table in their home with a green rag, while wearing yellow protective rubber gloves.
Coronavirus and Children
Thursday, March 5, 2020
SPH's Great Lakes Center for Children's Environmental Health analyzes best practices in responses to COVID-19 for children, including at schools and childcare settings.