Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Information and Updates
Shelter in Place Order and Other Rules
Shelter In Place Order To prevent the spread of COVID-19, Governor Pritzker announced a State Order requiring all residents to remain at home -“Shelter in Place” unless absolutely essential, through June 30, 2020. For more information about this order, please click here.
Virtual City Council Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Chicago has gone digital for its City Council and Council Committee meetings. Residents can still watch all meetings via live-stream at www.chicityclerk.com and participate in the public comment period by clicking here.
Lakefront Closed Beginning Monday, June 22, the Lakefront Trail will open East of Lake Shore Drive from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily, however beaches and parks East of Lake Shore Drive will remain closed. The 18-mile Lakefront Trail will be open for exercise and transit only, and no other recreational activities will be allowed.
Parks & Libraries For parks west of Lake Shore Drive, on June 8th, field houses will reopen for limited use of restrooms and cooling stations/shelter from rain. There will be no park programming offered in the field houses at this time. Programming is expected to start on July 6th. For more information please go to www.chicagoparkdistrict.com. Most libraries have reopened. For specific library hours and policies click here.
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Liquor Sales A public health order prohibiting citywide liquor sales after 9:00 pm has been issued. This includes ALL sales, delivery, and transport of alcohol. The City is currently considering authorizing the sale and delivery of alcohol, including mixed drinks from restaurants and bars. This page will be updated should more information about this effort be made available.
Reopening Plans
Phase 3 Businesses Reopening Rules Mayor Lightfoot, in partnership with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), industry leaders, labor leaders, and public officials from around Chicago, released industry-specific guidelines for businesses, employees, and customers to follow as the city prepares to begin safely reopening on June 3, 2020. Industry-specific guidelines include details such as how businesses can engage in healthy interactions between workers and customers, how to maintain safe working spaces and conditions, and how to design and monitor workplace operations to create flexibility and maintain safety for employees and customers. Guidelines for the following industries, which will open the earliest in phase three in Chicago, can be found at www.chicago.gov/reopening.
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Health Care and Testing
Health Care Coverage and Testing The Federal CAREs Act requires all private insurance plans to cover COVID-19 treatments and vaccines and makes all coronavirus tests free. Contact your private insurance provider (BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, etc.) for more information or click here if you are an Illinois Medicaid recipient or www.medicare.gov if you are a Medicare recipient.
Chi COVID Coach The City has launched Chi COVID Coach, a mobile friendly, web-based application to support residents during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. This app allows CDPH to communicate directly with Chicago residents who may be COVID-19 positive or experiencing symptoms, provide important information and guidance, and creates the opportunity to pre-register for a vaccine when it comes available. To get started, visit: www.Chicago.gov/covidcoach.
If you do not have a medical provider, are uninsured, or have limited or no income and believe you need non-emergency medical services, you can contact your nearest community health center (CHC) by phone and inform them of your need. They will work with you to coordinate appropriate care. In cases of emergency, please call 911. There are approximately 165 CHCs throughout the city of Chicago, so find one that is close to you. You can find your nearest CHC at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov. For more information, see Finding Care when Uninsured.
McCormick Place Alternate Care Facility is now accepting intake requests for COVID-19 cases. COVID-19 patients stable for transfer from the hospital meeting the criteria outlined below, who have not completed the minimum isolation period and cannot return home due to the risks of that home setting (any congregate setting, or immunocompromised/elderly family members from which they cannot remain isolated) will be considered for McCormick Place Alternate Care Facility (MPACF) transfer by calling 312-791-6620. Criteria for isolation facility transfer will change over time and up to date admission/exclusion criteria will be posted at www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19. Patients with complex medical/psychiatric/wrap-around support services may qualify for other CDPH isolation facilities and discharge planners may be instructed to complete an online Quarantine/Isolation Facility Intake Form if they do not meet current MPACF criteria.
Older People and People with Severe Chronic Conditions should take special precautions because they are at higher risk of developing COVID-19. They should limit travel and should not attend large gatherings, unless it is essential.
Individuals and Communities should familiarize themselves with recommendations to protect themselves and their communities from contracting and spreading respiratory illnesses like COVID-19.
Mental Health: Emotional reactions to this emerging health crisis are expected. Remind yourself, your family and your friends that feeling sad, anxious, overwhelmed or having other symptoms of distress such as trouble sleeping is normal. If symptoms become worse, encourage them, and yourself, to reach out for support and help. Call 311 or NAMI Chicago Helpline 833-626-4244 for a mental health counselor. Bright Star Community Outreach also has a helpline at 833-TURN-123For after hours, there is the Crisis Text Line which serves anyone, in any type of crisis, 24-hours a day. Instructions: Text HELLO to: 741741 to access a trained crisis counselor.
Food/Shopping Resources
Senior Shopping Hours Jewel – Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00 am to 9:00 am; Mariano’s – everyday from 6:00 am to 8:00 am; Trader Joe’s – Mondays from 9:00 am to 10:00 am; Walgreens – Tuesdays from 8:00 am to 9:00 am; Target – Wednesdays first hour; Whole Foods – everyday one hour before open; Costco – Tuesdays and Thursdays – 8:00 am to 9:00 am. Free grocery delivery is also available for seniors: at https://www.covidseniorshoppers.com/
Food Assistance The Greater Chicago Food Depository coordinates over 700 partner agencies and programs in Chicago to offer food resources to those in need. Additionally, the Food Depository has a benefit outreach team to help people apply for SNAP and Medicaid benefits. Call 773-843-5416 for assistance or apply directly with IDHS. Chicago Public School are offering breakfast and lunch Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm to every person under the age of 18 – no child will be turned away. Families will receive 3 days of meals for each young person in the household. If you can not travel to a site, call 1-773-553-KIDS or email familyservices@cps.edu to schedule food delivery. Meals on Wheels is also supporting food assistance for homebound seniors. Finally the Homelessness Food and Shelter Directory lists the Emergency Food Programs citywide including Food Pantries, Soup Kitchens, etc. in Chicago and the surrounding area.
Kroger Rules to Protect Public – The Kroger Family of Companies (including Mariano’s) have instituted new rules for their stores including: reducing the number of people allowed in the store at one time by 50%, protective masks and gloves for associates, associate wellness checks, waived prescription delivery fees, a pilot for one-way isles in select stores, reduced holiday hours and continuing their zero waste commitment.
Housing Assistance
Rental Assistance The City of Chicago has emergency rental assistance program. This program provides financial assistance to Chicago residents, to prevent homelessness, to eligible individuals and families who are in danger of eviction in order to stabilize individuals and families in their existing rental unit. For more information about this program, please click here.
The delegate agencies assisting the City with administration of the housing assistance program are: Neighborhood Housing Services, Metropolitan Family Services, Historic Bungalow Assoc., The Resurrection Project, Far South CDC, Oak Park Regional Housing Center, Claretians Associates, LUCHA, Teamwork Englewood, SWOP, Greater Auburn Gresham CDC, and Chinese Mutual Aid Assn.
Mortgage Relief for Apartment Owners The Federal Housing Finance Agency has announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will grant mortgage forbearance to owners of multifamily properties in exchange for suspending evictions. The move applies to all Fannie and Freddie-backed mortgages in situations where renters can’t afford to make their monthly payments due to Coronavirus. For more information, please visit the FHFA website here.
Unemployment Insurance
Utility Bill Assistance
Utility Bill Assistance ComEd is suspending service disconnects, providing resources and payment accommodations for those who may have challenges paying their monthly energy bill. Customers who may be experiencing financial hardship should visit ComEd.com/CARE or call 800-334-7661. People’s Gas will further suspend disconnection notices until May 1 to ensure the safety of our customers and employees. They also provide grants (of up to $200) to help with heating bills. Learn more about how to apply: https://bit.ly/3apEltP
Internet Providers Free Internet options are available through local partners, such as Comcast and AT&T. The City will be working closely with partners to ensure outreach to communities and households in need. Mayor Lightfoot recently announced an initiative with Comcast to expand internet access. For more details on the program, families can visit www.internetessentials.com/apply. Residents can also visit www.everyoneon.org/find-offers for low cost/free internet service. Families can search for what’s available via zip code.
Additionally, Comcast is offering free Xfinity WiFi hot spots to everyone, pausing their data plan, ending disconnects or late fees, and providing intent essentials free to new customers. AT&T announced the creation of a Distance Learning and Family Connections Fund to give parents, students and teachers tools they need for at-home learning. Additionally, AT&T is expanding access to their program “Access from AT&T,” a low-cost home internet offering to qualifying households.
Business Resources and Information
Restaurants and Bars All bars and restaurants have been closed for in-person dinning since Monday, March 16, 2020. Restaurants are now permitted to offer outdoor dining and starting June 17th, bars, breweries and taverns will be allowed to reopen. The state is working closely with restaurant owners and food delivery services to ensure kitchens can safely remain open to continue food delivery and put in place drive-thru and curbside pickup options. For more information, please click here.
Businesses and Employers Mayor Lightfoot announced a $100 Million Relief Package for Chicago Small Businesses. The new fund will provide more than $100 million in low-interest loans to severely impacted small businesses over the coming month, targeting historically under-resourced communities with an emphasis on minimizing hardship for those businesses and their employees. For more information and to fill out the application, please click here. The State of Illinois has also announced some relief programs for businesses in the state. For that information, please click here.
Cook County Community Recovery Fund Cook County has launched a comprehensive initiative to provide economic relief to small businesses, non-profits, community service organizations and independent contractors (1099 workers) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, click here.
Childcare Facilities and Colleges/Universities Closure of childcare facilities is still voluntary. See CDPH’s COVID-19 Guidance for Childcare Programs. The State of Illinois has also issued resources for emergency childcare at https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/OECD/Pages/For-Communities.aspx. Many institutions of higher learning are voluntarily closing their campuses and moving instruction online. See CDPH’s COVID-19 Guidance for Schools and Institutions of Higher Education.
Community- and faith-based organizations should review existing emergency operations plans, including strategies for social distancing and modifying large gatherings. Community-based organizations should take steps to protect both the clients they serve and their employees. See CDPH’s COVID-19 Guidance for Community- and Faith-based Organizations.
Event Organizers Stay informed on the latest developments and public health guidance. We strongly encourage groups to consider cancelling or postponing planned events.
How to Help
Donation Opportunities The City of Chicago is coordinating donations in the fight against COVID-19. Click here for the general donation website. To donate medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) click here. To donate other products or professional services click here. To donate time as a healthcare worker click here. To sell medical supplies and PPE click here.
Blood Donation The American Red Cross is working to quickly identify and replace blood drives canceled due to workplace and school closures. Search here for opportunities near you and check back often as they are continuously adding new donation opportunities. If you don’t see available appointments near you in the near future, please search 7-15 days out. The need for blood is constant – patients need your help.
Taxes
Federal Economic Impact Payments As part of the CARES Act, most Americans will receive an economic impact payment of $1,200 per person with an additional $500 for qualifying dependent. To review program rules, check the status of your payment, or to update your tax information to receive a payment, go to www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments.
Tax Filing Information Governor Pritzker announced he will delay the Illinois state income tax filing deadline until July 15. This aligns with the new filing deadline for federal taxes, which is also July 15.
Property Taxes The Cook County Assessor’s Office has announced the temporary suspension of assessment notice mailings and appeal deadlines. This suspension will remain in place until further notice while the office remains closed to the public.
Property Tax Sale The Cook County Property Tax Sale, scheduled for May 8, 2020, has been cancelled indefinitely
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Other Important Information
Rear Boarding of CTA Buses Customers will be directed to the rear doors to board CTA buses. Customers using a mobility device or individuals who require use of the ramp or for the bus to lower will still use the front door. To allow for fare payment, CTA is moving farecard readers to the rear doors of buses. During the transition, CTA will not enforce fare payment on buses that do not yet have rear-door farecard readers.
Hotel Utilization Individuals who do not require hospital-level care can be transferred to downtown hotels rented by the City of Chicago to quarantine affected individuals to help reduce the strain on local hospitals. For more information, call 312-746-4835.
Ticketing Enforcement There has been some confusion regarding the issuance of parking tickets in the city. While the number of enforcement agents has been decreased, tickets will still be issued for the following violations: bus lane, bicycle path, rush hour parking, parking in the fire lane, fire lane blockage, alley blockage, driveway blockage, double parking, standing zone violations, parking in a disabled parking spot, and expired meters.
Debt Relief Programs Mayor Lightfoot announced temporary suspension of debt collection, ticketing and towing practices to provide relief in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. For more information on this policy, please click here.
Data and Legislation
COVID-19 Data The City of Chicago has released demographic data tracking the spread of COVID-19, including data broken down by zip code. To access this information click here.
Federal CARES Act $130 billion for hospitals, $1,200 direct payments for Americans, 4 months of unemployment insurance for all workers, $377 billion to support small businesses, $10 billion for airports, including O’Hare, prevents any secret bailouts. Visit quigley.house.gov/coronavirus for full program details.
Fight Stigma and Fear by understanding the facts about COVID-19 and taking the effective precautionary steps recommended by health professionals. Support people returning from COVID-19 quarantine and help reduce the spread of rumors by letting people know that viruses cannot target people from specific populations, ethnicities, or racial backgrounds.
If you have been in a country with widespread sustained transmission (any country with a Travel Alert Level 3) or have been exposed to someone sick with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, you will face some limitations on your movement and activity. Please follow instructions during this time. Your cooperation is integral to the ongoing public health response to try to slow the spread of this virus.
The 3rd Ward Service Office is closed during this time. However, our office is operating remotely. We kindly ask that any business you may have with our office be conducted via phone or email
*Thank you to the 4th Ward for helping to compile some of this important information
With the quickly changing nature of the COVID-19 outbreak, Alderman Dowell’s Office will try to keep the information provided on this website as up-to-date as possible. However, please always check with the relevant agencies or your personal physician before making any decision that may affect your health based on the information provided above.
