April 15, 2020- The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Illinois Department of Public Health are launching a new public service campaign to remind Illinois residents to continue to follow the Stay at Home order enacted by the Governor’s executive order to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.
This new pubic service campaign features celebrity Brian Tee. Under normal circumstances, Brian Tee would be shooting scenes for Chicago Med where he plays Dr. Ethan Choi. But in a COVID-19 world, Tee and his family are staying home and following the guidelines set forth by health professionals to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Tee and his wife have a 4-year-old daughter and his parents, ages 75 and 85, live with them. In the videos released by the state agencies, Tee is shown teaching his daughter why it’s important to “Do Your Part” and stay home to protect those you love.
“We want to thank Brian Tee for helping us get the word out about the need to do our part and stay home,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “The weather is warming up and many people are starting to feel cooped up, but staying home now will help end this pandemic sooner.”
“These public services announcements are coming online at a crucial phase in our response to this pandemic,” said IEMA Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “We must be strong and stay the course for these measures to be effective. Now is not the time to gather with friends or extended relatives. Stay home to protect yourself, your family and your community.”
The new spots started airing recently as part of the Ready Illinois broadcast preparedness campaign, which is aired in cooperation with the Illinois Broadcasters Association (IBA) Public Education Partnership (PEP) program. Brian Tee waived his fee for the Illinois Broadcasters Association in exchange for a donation to a local food bank.
“I have nothing but gratitude and admiration towards first responders and those on the front lines during this crisis because they are the true heroes. Instead of just pretending to be one, I’m hoping to help by spreading their advice and donating to those who need it,” said Brian Tee. “There are many amazing organizations out there to support and I recognize that it’s my civic duty for the state of Illinois and this country to do my part, but even more, this is an international crisis and an existential threat that we can all come together on to fight the good fight and help by simply staying home.”
