SPRINGFIELD – The deadline for licensed daycares to apply for free HEPA air purifiers is being extended.

The Illinois Department of Public Health launched a $10 million, federally funded program to get the air purifiers into daycares, and some are still available. The agency’s Charles Williams says they can help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses like Covid, the flu and R-S-V. He especially urges daycares in Central and Southern Illinois to apply.

Only daycares outside of the City of Chicago and licensed by the state are eligible. The deadline to apply is now Aug. 25.