COVID-19 Updates
Today, Governor Pritzker announced that there are now 288 confirmed cases of COVID-19 across 17 counties in our State. We are expecting the number of cases to increase daily as test kits become more readily available and that is why staying home as much as possible, especially while sick and washing your hands regularly is crucial to stop the spread of this virus. Follow the Governor's facebook page and tune in at 2:30pm every day for his live updates on the situation.

There is now a new website that provides updates on the COVID-19 virus in Illinois and consolidates all information the State currently has. Guidelines and real time updates can be found on the new COVID-19 website here .

If you have questions related to COVID-19 you can contact the Illinois Department of Public Health's hotline by calling 800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov

The Mayor of The City of Chicago will address the city tomorrow in a live prime time televised address. In addition, the City has also set up a hotline at 312-746-4835 or email coronavirus@chicago.gov. You can sign up to get updates from the City of Chicago's Department of Public Health here .

You can also find updated guidance on taking precautions here .
Illinois Department of Employment Security
If you've been affected by COVID-19 at your workplace the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) has extended the guidelines to help those who are in need due to the COVID-19 and has removed the 7 day waiting period to qualify for benefits. To file or gather more information please go to the IDES website .

Governor Pritzker has submitted a request to the Federal Government to allow an extension of unemployment benefits beyond the 26 week deadline limit that is currently in place. You can find the release here . We will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available on this process.

If you need assistance and cannot get through to IDES please contact our office.
Local Updates and Volunteer Opportunities
We understand that these are unprecedented times and there is a lot of anxiety due to the uncertainty of COVID-19 but it is in these times that our community should come together. I encourage you to check on your neighbors and those that may be most in need due to the pandemic. We are asking that individuals do not panic buy and hoard items. As you shop please think of those that are not in a financial situation where they are able to panic buy and may visit a local grocer to find the item they needed most out of stock due to others hoarding. In today’s press conference, both Governor Pritzker and the Director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency discussed the opening of the Business Emergency Operations Center that is working to address supply chain issues as well as emergency rule changes to better facilitate supply chain management.

Governor Pritzker in his executive order banning groups of 50 or more individuals , made clear that it is not intended for areas such as grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations etc. which are vital for individuals to obtain the items they need most while staying indoors.

Our aldermanic office in the 48th and 49th ward have begun rapid response teams to call and check in on our most vulnerable populations. Visit Alderwoman Maria Hadden's website here and Alderman Harry Osterman's website here to volunteer or learn more on their efforts.

Some grocery stores have been extending hours just for seniors during this pandemic. We would also encourage everyone to shop local and support neighborhood businesses in these times of need. Reach out or visit our local chambers of commerce for more information on restaurants and bars that are offering road side pick up or delivery options.

Chicago Public Schools Meal Pickup
Due to COVID-19 all Chicago Public Schools will be closed until at least March 31. To ensure our students are still receiving meals they would otherwise be receiving at school, schools will serve as food distribution sites for CPS students. Food pick-up will take place outside of school buildings at every school and is scheduled from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Monday through Friday. CPS families can pick-up three days worth of meals at time, each with two meals per child. If you need assistance, please call the CPS Command Center at 773-553-KIDS (5437) or email  familyservices@cps.edu . For more information please visit the CPS Website .
Other State Agency Updates
Illinois Department of Human Services : Today out of an abundance of caution, all DHS local offices were closed due to COVID-19. The Department is monitoring the situation daily and local offices are subject to reopening on a daily basis, some may reopen as early as tomorrow. To view the full release visit their website here . If you need immediate assistance call 800-843-6154 or visit their website here to apply for benefits.

The Department of Rehabilitation Services will remain closed until April however counselors will continue to work remotely. Contact our office if you are having trouble reaching someone for an update on your case.

Report COVID-19 Price Gouging: If you or someone you know becomes aware of price gauging due to COVID-19 report it to Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul's office. You can find the form here .

Changes at the Secretary of State : All Secretary of State offices are closed through March 31. Expiration dates for driver vehicle registrations, driver's licenses, identification cards, permits, and parking decals are extended 30 days. There are renewal and payment options available online here .

Department of Human Services, Illinois State Board of Education and the Department of Child and Family Services: have issued guidance for childcare centers.

Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity : is seeking an economic injury disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration. This application requires data from every county. If your business has been affected by COVID-19, please complete the survey form available  here . The U.S. Small Business Administration also has resources available to small businesses here .
Eviction Courts Closed
On Saturday, March 14 Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart's office announced that they will be suspending all evictions for the next 30 days due to COVID-19. The Cook County Evictions Court will be closed until April 16. Any individual facing an ilegal eviction should contact the police and seek legal assistance through Legal Aid Chicago or Rentervention here online or at 312-347-7600 if you know of any instances where landlords are attempting  illegal lockouts ,  landlord retaliation ,  denying essential services , or  evicting outside of the legal process .
Meals On Wheels
Meals On Wheels is a service that is provided to senior citizens and for individuals with Disabilities. To sign up as a Senior Citizen please visit The Chicago Department of Family & Support Services , to get started online. To sign up as Individual with Disabilities please contact the Mayors Office for People with Disabilities or call them at 312-744-6673.
Food Pantries
The below food pantries may have limited hours and availability during this pandemic, please make sure you are visiting their website or calling their offices prior to your visit.

For those that are able and willing donations to these food banks is much appreciated.


United Church of Rogers Park
Soup Kitchen: Sunday 4-6pm
Service Area: Cook County

St. Ignatius Parish
Food Pantry: Wednesday 2-4pm, Friday 10am-12pm
Service Area: Pratt to Devon, Western to the lake

A Just Harvest
Produce: 3rd Monday 10:30am-1pm
Soup Kitchen: Monday to Friday 5:30-6:30pm, Saturday to Sunday 5-6pm
Service Area: Cook County

Howard Area Community Center
Food Pantry: 1st and 3rd Monday 9-11am, 2nd and 4th Wednesday 2-5pm
Service Area: 60626 and 60645 zip codes, Juneway to Devon, Sheridan to Kedzie

Warren Park Produce Program
Produce: 2nd Wednesday 9:30-11:30am
Service Area: Cook County

Congregation K.I.N.S.
Soup Kitchen: Tuesday 5:45-7:45pm
Service Area: Cook County

ICNA Relief - Chicago
Food Pantry: Saturday 11am-1pm (sometimes opens and closes early based
on community needs)
Service Area: Howard to Foster, Ridge to Kedzie

Care for Real
Food Pantry: Monday and Wednesday 9am-12pm, Friday 9am-12pm and 3-5pm,
Saturday 9am-1pm
Service Area: Devon to Lawrence, Western to the lake
Also provides clothing closet and other support services (limited hours)

Evanston Vineyard Food Pantry
Food Pantry: Wednesday 6-8pm
Service Area: Illinois residents
Also has clothing closet

Donate Blood
The Red Cross is seeking individuals to give blood during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information about giving blood during the COVID-19 pandemic click here . To find a blood donation site please go here and enter your zip code.
Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy
State Representative, 14th District

Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

5533 N Broadway

Chicago IL 60640
773-784-2002(phone)
773-784-2060(fax)