Unemployment Benefits for
Independent Contractors
15 COVID Deaths in Lincoln Park
Help Local Businesses
Dear Neighbors,

The State of Illinois just released new guidance for unemployment benefits for independent contractors.   The  Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES )  recommends ALL unemployed individuals to apply for benefits immediately, regardless of what type of worker you are.

Independent contractors, self-employed individuals, sole proprietors and 1099 workers are now eligible for up to 39 weeks of benefits under the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program in the CARES Act. However, IDES emphasized that, to qualify for PUA unemployment, an individual  must first be denied traditional unemployment benefits. The denial letter will be the basis for approval under their subsequent PUA application. For more information, visit the  IDES website . Here are FAQs .
3D Simulation Shows How Social Distancing Works -
And Why Masks are So Important

According to the Cook County Medical Examiner, 15 people have died of COVID-19 in the 60614 zip code out of between 100 and 189 cases. These figures emphasize the importance of continuing social distancing and wearing masks.

This interactive simulation demonstrates what can happen when someone coughs indoors. A cough produces respiratory droplets of varying sizes. The Centers for Disease Controls (CDC) says keeping at least six feet away from others helps avoid contact with these respiratory droplets and lowers the risk of infection. A proper mask can stop the spread even more. Credit: The New York Times
Crain's New COVID19 Podcast 
For Small Business

Crain's new podcast focuses on helping small businesses navigate the COVID-19 crisis and rebuild for the future. Hosted by award-winning investigative journalist Christine Haughney Dare-Bryan, every Thursday, Small Business Lifeline will highlight a specific topic to assist the small business community with timely advice and updates.

Listen to the podcast using this link.
#Love Lincoln Park Bingo
And Shop Local
Through May 10

Support our local establishments from a distance for a chance to win tickets and gift cards. Visit the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce website for game rules and general information. Download the #LoveLincolnPark Bingo card and play today.

Players must show proof of a completed bingo card, as well as proof of purchase or the task, by emailing events@lincolnparkchamber.com   with photo of their bingo card, receipts, and/or completed tasks.
COVID19 Fraud Prevention

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO) is working with law enforcement partners to alert the public of criminal and civil schemes that are aimed at exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic. Please exercise caution and practice the following steps:

  • Before donating to a charitable entity, verify that the organization is legitimate through the Illinois Attorney General’s Office.
  • Don't click on links in text messages, emails, or social media accounts that were unsolicited or from sources you don’t know.
  • Don't buy unverified vaccines, cures, or treatments for COVID-19. There are none.
  • Stimulus checks will be provided directly by the IRS without any action needed from you.
  • Be on the lookout for and report counterfeit goods and price gouging.
  • Don't provide your social security number, birthday, or banking information to any entity, especially over the phone.
  • Anyone claiming to be a government representative asking for personal information should be reported to the IRS (phishing@irs.gov) or the CCSAO (312-603-8600).
For Your Students
Pitch for Good Challenge
For CPS High School Students
Through April 30

The Pitch for Good Challenge is a self-paced, interactive program that leads students through five modules to create a solution to issues related to our current economic and public health crises. Parents and Chicago Public Schools high school students can access the program directly via  Pitch for Good. The Challenge will run through April 30th and culminate in a video pitch competition where the student with the winning idea will receive a $350 cash prize and $2,000 in college scholarships.
DePaul Athletics: DIBS Bingo Adventure
Submit by June 12

Ready, Set, …BINGO! DIBS the Blue Demon and DePaul Athletics invites you to spring into fun with the  DIBS BINGO ADVENTURE ! This free program is open to all students in 5 th  grade and under and rewards you for having fun while staying healthy at home.
 
If you successfully complete at least one row of activities, you will receive an e-certificate of completion and be entered into a raffle for a DIBS bobblehead. As a bonus, complete all 24 activities to receive a $5.00 discount on a 2020-21 membership to the new DIBS Kids Club! The program can also be accessed through the website at DePaulBlueDemons.com, you can also email Roger Uy at ruy2@depaul.edu
Sweet Home Chicago: City's Next Mass Sing Along
Saturday, April 18
7:00 p.m.
MeTV 88.7 FM

Get ready to sing the blues this Saturday as the City gears up for a mass singalong that would make Jake and Elwood proud! MeTV FM will also broadcast “Sweet Home Chicago” for a series of singalong rehearsals at 8:15 p.m. Wednesday; 8:05 a.m. Thursday; 11:10 a.m. Friday and 2:15 p.m. Saturday.
#43 Wears Masks

We love all your photo submissions, so please send more photos of you in your masks and post with the hashtag #43wearsmasks. Still don't have a mask? Check out this newsletter and this newsletter for easy to make masks/
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#43WearsMasks
Coronavirus Resources :

If you have any additional questions, please email:  coronavirus@chicago.gov  or call 312-746-4835

The Doctor Is In: Ask Dr. Arwady. Live-stream by Chicago Health Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D., daily at 11:00 am on  Twitter and  Facebook Live.

Sign up to receive the latest updates on Coronavirus:  https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/VwvbSW5/coronavirus
 
State of Illinois
 
Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
43rd Ward Office Hours: M - F 9 AM - 5 PM 
  2523 N Halsted  |  773-348-9500 yourvoice@ward43.org www.ward43.org