When the Spanish Flu appeared in Chicago, peaking at 2000 deaths a day, health commissioner John Dill Robertson decided to make some drastic decisions. First, all large gatherings were banned, sporting events; political meetings and banquets were all cancelled. Schools were shut down and parks were closed. Theaters and cabarets were closed as well. Weddings were postponed and funerals were cancelled. Churches were kept open because they were considered essential for morale, but pastors were to keep their services shorter. People who were going to work were suggested to walk to work instead of taking cramped public transportation. Public spitting was outlawed and citizens were asked to wear gauze facemasks when they were in public. By Oct. 21, Chicago received 100,000 flu vaccines. Over the next weeks, flu deaths dropped rapidly and the illness was …show more content…
The Board of Health Superintendent, Dr. Albert A. Campbell placed "keep out" signs on the lawns of citizens that had been infected. When some of the homeowners removed the signs, he threatened them with a fine. Campbell had doctors give talks about the dangers of influenza before movies. He also asked schools to send home children who had a cold, but "that request was shamefully abused"." (illinoistimes.com) Campbell also threatened to quarantine the homes of the infected. Later, he said anyone with "colds or flu symptoms had to stay away from the public."(illinoistimes.com) On Oct. 15, Springfield's entertainment venues were closed to halt the rising local flu cases. By mid-October residents were told to report anyone they knew who might have pneumonia. Visits to pneumonia patients were prohibited and funerals were only allowed if the body was properly embalmed or if the body was enclosed in a tight casket. On Oct. 15, Springfield was quarantined by the health director. On Nov. 8, Springfield's quarantine was lifted.