Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar » Question of the day
SUBSCRIBE to Capitol Fax      Advertise Here      About     Exclusive Subscriber Content     Updated Posts    Contact Rich Miller
CapitolFax.com
To subscribe to Capitol Fax, click here.
Question of the day

Wednesday, Apr 1, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller

* My phone started buzzing loudly yesterday morning when I received this text…

State needs licensed healthcare workers to sign-up at IllinoisHelps.net to fight COVID-19

* The Question: What was your first reaction when you received that emergency alert?

       

55 Comments
  1. - Michelle Flaherty - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 12:06 pm:

    That the comet’s impact was 15 min away


  2. - 47th Ward - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 12:07 pm:

    My first thought was wondering if I could pull off faking it as a retired physician and how long I could maintain the charade.

    After giving it more thought, I then concluded it was a poor use of the emergency notification system. I mean, contacting everybody with a scary alert to find what, less than 5% of the population? Seemed like overkill.


  3. - Six Feet of Separation (temporary name) - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 12:07 pm:

    I figured most licensed healthcare workers who were willing and able to work were already doing so during these times. My phone doesn’t buzz like that unless there is a tornado watch or something.


  4. - LBJ - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 12:09 pm:

    Zombies are on the way.


  5. - DuPage Dave - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 12:09 pm:

    I was on a work at home video chat and multiple phones started blowing up at the same time. Everybody had a work and personal cell to defuse. Pretty funny after the fact.

    Not sure if it was overkill.


  6. - Tabbybum - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 12:11 pm:

    My first thought was they were going to announce a mandatory lock-down prohibiting leaving your home.


  7. - Fixer - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 12:15 pm:

    I thought I was glad I let my license lapse when I switched careers a few years back.


  8. - Lt Guv - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 12:15 pm:

    My reaction was, “What the xxxx?”


  9. - Candy Dogood - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 12:18 pm:

    “Well, it’s nice to see someone try to use this system to save a life.”


  10. - The Real Captain - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 12:20 pm:

    Never got it


  11. - WeAreAVillage - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 12:23 pm:

    Not overkill. Good use of system.


  12. - Loop Lady - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 12:24 pm:

    I thought here comes the tsunami….


  13. - La La Land - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 12:25 pm:

    My thoughts were why was this not used when the Exec Order was first put out and then when it was extended? Not a good use of a good resource.


  14. - Montrose - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 12:25 pm:

    I neither got that nor the emergency message about the parks being shut down, so I am pretty much screwed if in the future the system gives people a head start on the apocalypse.


  15. - SaulGoodman - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 12:28 pm:

    T-Mobile phones got this at 4:08 AM this morning. That was fun to wake up to.


  16. - LathamPlace - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 12:35 pm:

    Winter is coming.


  17. - Dysfunction Junction - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 12:35 pm:

    Heard the shriek and my instant reaction was “Oh sh**”
    …which surprised my British colleagues on the other end of the conference call. By the way, Saul, I have T-Mobile too and my alert came in at 10:20 yesterday.


  18. - OneMan - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 12:38 pm:

    Oh, I let her know but she has a job and is kind of tied up.
    Got it at least 4 times


  19. - Norseman - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 12:38 pm:

    My first reaction when I heard of the alert was a question as to why I hadn’t received it. Why? Because the people telling me about it were Missourians. Why they received it and I, a holder of a telephone number with a central Illinois area code, didn’t defies my understanding.

    As to the idea of the text? I’d say it’s good one that could only help.


  20. - Amalia - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 12:39 pm:

    terrifying.


  21. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 12:41 pm:

    I had a lot of thoughts after my first thought;

    Sadness and anger have revolved around this as the alert went, but my first reaction?

    My first reaction was “alertness”

    It put me on an alert feeling…


  22. - Downstate Illinois - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 12:44 pm:

    I didn’t see the message at first so I pulled up my weather app to see if it was a tornado.


  23. - Token Conservative - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 12:47 pm:

    Needless use of the alert system.


  24. - Rutro - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 12:47 pm:

    I was glad I wasn’t driving


  25. - Doc - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 12:49 pm:

    Wish I had the credentials to help.


  26. - Tommydanger - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 12:52 pm:

    “These are(not)the best of times”


  27. - Paul S - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 12:52 pm:

    Why the tornado alarm went off after 10am? I have Verizon and it was at 10:20am. Didn’t think it was a good use of resources for such a finite amount of people that could use it.


  28. - the Patriot - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 12:55 pm:

    Confirmationo the Governor has no idea what he is doing. Should have been done weeks ago to list who is avaialble.

    IDPH should have coordinated providers weeks ago to see who is available to reallocate to hot spots. You have providers doing nothing because of stay at home orders in communities with no cases while others are being over whelmed.


  29. - JS Mill - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 12:55 pm:

    I was startled at first, but thought it was a good idea. Leave no stone unturned.

    Overkill? Hardly. People are dying. That is real.


  30. - Former Candidate on the Ballot - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 12:57 pm:

    My first 10 seconds was in this order - Why Now? Whoa, this is getting serious! Smart! Think about the resources that might be utilized - School Nurses (buildings are shut down); Cross over from Dentist and Oral Surgeons Offices; Medical Practices that are focused on elective surgeries including cosmetic; Life Insurance examiners; etc, etc,


  31. - @misterjayem - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 1:00 pm:

    Never got it.

    – MrJM


  32. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 1:00 pm:

    === the Governor has no idea what he is doing. Should have been done weeks ago to list who is avaialble.===

    Weeks ago, POTUS said it would magically disappear.

    “Do you agree “weeks” ago the federal response also points to a POTUS…”

    It’s so tiring hearing, the lacking of open eyes to true failings and where leaders are emerging and doing the job, sometimes of “others”

    “If your first thought is a failing Governor, don’t look at Florida today…“

    “Enough“. This QOTD is about a great many things. The hope is not a partisan bend.

    This is a global pandemic.


  33. - Louis G Atsaves - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 1:02 pm:

    I would assume that most hospitals and medical providers have licensed retirees on call for temporary fill-ins during vacations or illnesses. I don’t think a general call like that created any panic amongst the general public.


  34. - Annonin - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 1:03 pm:

    We thought it was a great use of technology and a huge underscoring of a message JB et. al have been giving for two weeks. Maybe Sen. Righter and some of other “Open Up” caucus member could offer to drive under used Drs and nurses to designated hot spots? We all can help folks


  35. - Bruce( no not him) - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 1:05 pm:

    My wife’s phone went off yesterday. I still haven’t gotten it. Both AT&T


  36. - Stuff Happens - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 1:13 pm:

    It seemed like using it to announce the stay-at-home extension might have been a better use. Do they think retired medical workers are less informed than the average Joe?

    Or maybe bundle the two into one message if that’s allowed.

    Hopefully it’s not going to keep happening, or pretty soon we’ll stop paying attention.


  37. - jimbo26 - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 1:18 pm:

    My first reaction was that this is serious. My second reaction is I hope medically trained individuals sign up at https://illinoishelps.net/


  38. - Dog Lover - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 1:23 pm:

    I expected a weather alert when I heard it. We saw a crawler on tv the other night. It wasn’t giving a specific message. Just opening that avenue for messages, I guess. I think it speaks to the seriousness of the issue. I don’t think I should second guess everything being done to protect and communicate. Some actions and messages are clearly with it or not, but for most things I take for granted those people know details I don’t know. I try to be patient and cut some slack.


  39. - Downstate - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 1:27 pm:

    My immediate thought was the state wanted to test the system and decided to send out a somewhat innocuous message, while still being able to track the effectiveness of it via the web site.

    I received one message, while some received it as many as 4 times.


  40. - 13th - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 1:40 pm:

    Maybe they need to put the shelter in place over alter and maybe everyone will finally see it


  41. - WH Mess - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 1:44 pm:

    I got it six times. Chicago parks closing once.

    I support judicious use once or twice a week for as long as we need to be shut down to (re)emphasize how serious we all must take this.


  42. - Skeptic - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 1:51 pm:

    Exactly what Paul S. @ 12:52 said.


  43. - OutOfState - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 2:00 pm:

    Wondering how I got on the list for an Illinois alert when I live across the border and don’t get other alerts.


  44. - Honeybadger - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 2:24 pm:

    I’ve received that text three times in the last 2 days. I thought it was because I was a retired EMS professional.


  45. - Scamp640 - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 2:26 pm:

    My thoughts were to be a lert. The world needs more lerts.


  46. - elginkevin - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 2:32 pm:

    The stay-at-home order should have been announced this way.


  47. - Ano - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 2:41 pm:

    First thought was how desperate we are to be looking for anyone who could help in this time where doctors and nurses are falling ill.

    Second thought was how sad I was not to be of any help medically.

    This is nothing to be snarky about. Maybe you’ll get the disease and have a mild case, but I guarantee youll know someone or know of someone who wasn’t so lucky.


  48. - ChicagoBars - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 3:19 pm:

    That at least it wasn’t the “Chicago’s parks and lakefront are closed!” phone alert I got at least a half dozen times when that happened. Nice change of pace.


  49. - Just Observing - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 3:30 pm:

    === T-Mobile phones got this at 4:08 AM this morning. That was fun to wake up to. ===

    My family has T-Mobile — most of us got it when it was first issued, but my wife’s phone went of at like 4:00 a.m.


  50. - lake county democrat - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 4:47 pm:

    “Oh Lord, what now?” Then I was mildly annoyed when I saw what it was for: yes, an important message, but save those tones for things like “tornado coming, take shelter.” At least they didn’t use it for “fill out your census.”


  51. - Lynn S. - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 5:31 pm:

    I was at work when it went off (late morning). Without looking at my phone, thought it was an Amber Alert.


  52. - A Jack - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 6:05 pm:

    I woke up rather annoyed.


  53. - Trying To Be Rational - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 7:11 pm:

    First thought: Will the state cover the malpractice insurance? Or give the doctor/nurse immunity if something goes wrong?


  54. - Donnie Elgin - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 8:30 pm:

    Misuse of the system - only a small percent of the population works as license healthcare workers. If this keeps up folks will think of the alerts as nuisances rather than a true alert that requires all citizens to take action.


  55. - TinyDancer(FKASue) - Wednesday, Apr 1, 20 @ 9:59 pm:

    The Russians are coming(exclamation point)


Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.


* Reader comments closed for the weekend
* Isabel’s afternoon briefing
* Things that make you go 'Hmm'
* Did Dan Proft’s independent expenditure PAC illegally coordinate with Bailey's campaign? The case will go before the Illinois Elections Board next week
* PJM's massive fail
* $117.7B In Economic Activity: Illinois Hospitals Are Essential To Communities And Families
* It’s just a bill
* Showcasing The Retailers Who Make Illinois Work
* Open thread
* Isabel’s morning briefing
* SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today's edition
* SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password)
* Live coverage
* Pritzker calls some of Bears proposals 'probably non-starters,' refuses to divert state dollars intended for other purposes (Updated)
* Yesterday's stories

Support CapitolFax.com
Visit our advertisers...

...............

...............

...............

...............

...............


Loading


Main Menu
Home
Illinois
YouTube
Pundit rankings
Obama
Subscriber Content
Durbin
Burris
Blagojevich Trial
Advertising
Updated Posts
Polls

Archives
April 2024
March 2024
February 2024
January 2024
December 2023
November 2023
October 2023
September 2023
August 2023
July 2023
June 2023
May 2023
April 2023
March 2023
February 2023
January 2023
December 2022
November 2022
October 2022
September 2022
August 2022
July 2022
June 2022
May 2022
April 2022
March 2022
February 2022
January 2022
December 2021
November 2021
October 2021
September 2021
August 2021
July 2021
June 2021
May 2021
April 2021
March 2021
February 2021
January 2021
December 2020
November 2020
October 2020
September 2020
August 2020
July 2020
June 2020
May 2020
April 2020
March 2020
February 2020
January 2020
December 2019
November 2019
October 2019
September 2019
August 2019
July 2019
June 2019
May 2019
April 2019
March 2019
February 2019
January 2019
December 2018
November 2018
October 2018
September 2018
August 2018
July 2018
June 2018
May 2018
April 2018
March 2018
February 2018
January 2018
December 2017
November 2017
October 2017
September 2017
August 2017
July 2017
June 2017
May 2017
April 2017
March 2017
February 2017
January 2017
December 2016
November 2016
October 2016
September 2016
August 2016
July 2016
June 2016
May 2016
April 2016
March 2016
February 2016
January 2016
December 2015
November 2015
October 2015
September 2015
August 2015
July 2015
June 2015
May 2015
April 2015
March 2015
February 2015
January 2015
December 2014
November 2014
October 2014
September 2014
August 2014
July 2014
June 2014
May 2014
April 2014
March 2014
February 2014
January 2014
December 2013
November 2013
October 2013
September 2013
August 2013
July 2013
June 2013
May 2013
April 2013
March 2013
February 2013
January 2013
December 2012
November 2012
October 2012
September 2012
August 2012
July 2012
June 2012
May 2012
April 2012
March 2012
February 2012
January 2012
December 2011
November 2011
October 2011
September 2011
August 2011
July 2011
June 2011
May 2011
April 2011
March 2011
February 2011
January 2011
December 2010
November 2010
October 2010
September 2010
August 2010
July 2010
June 2010
May 2010
April 2010
March 2010
February 2010
January 2010
December 2009
November 2009
October 2009
September 2009
August 2009
July 2009
June 2009
May 2009
April 2009
March 2009
February 2009
January 2009
December 2008
November 2008
October 2008
September 2008
August 2008
July 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006
December 2005
April 2005
March 2005
February 2005
January 2005
December 2004
November 2004
October 2004

Blog*Spot Archives
November 2005
October 2005
September 2005
August 2005
July 2005
June 2005
May 2005

Syndication

RSS Feed 2.0
Comments RSS 2.0




Hosted by MCS SUBSCRIBE to Capitol Fax Advertise Here Mobile Version Contact Rich Miller