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The following email provides timely information on news and services from the City of Darien.

Look out for our Community Calendar - coming soon - with information on local events and happenings!
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Weekly eNews - March 18, 2020
What’s the Latest on COVID-19?
The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) reports that while COVID-19 is now impacting community members in DuPage County, most people sick with COVID-19 have mild illness. 
 
DCHD has also created a web page with the latest information on COVID-19. It includes helpful information for residents and businesses, along with the latest updates. Sign up for DCHD's weekly COVID-19 email updates here.

President Trump has issued guidelines for Americans to slow the spread of the outbreak, including staying at home if possible and avoiding social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people. Other guidelines (in addition to practicing good hygiene) include avoiding discretionary travel, shopping trips and social visits.
Questions about COVID-19?  
DuPage County COVID-19 Call Center
  • If you are in DuPage County and have questions or concerns about COVID-19, contact the Health Department COVID-19 Call Center at (630) 221-7030. Hours: Monday through Saturday 8 a.m.– 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Illinois COVID-19 Hotline and Email Address:
  • Call the Illinois Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Hotline at 1(800) 889-3931 or email [email protected]. This hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What to do if you think you have been exposed:
  • If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your doctor for medical advice. By calling ahead to your doctor before going in for care, you allow the medical facility to take the right steps to protect themselves and other patients.

Find Help - Community Resources are Available: 
Message to Darien Seniors - Shopping Help is Available
Many businesses are holding special hours for elderly and vulnerable populations. Residents should verify with specific businesses in advance. Please share this information with your network, especially those not connected to email or social media.  

Darien’s Jewel – Osco at 7329 S Cass Ave. will be open from 7 – 9 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursday for senior citizens. At the request of Mayor Marchese, the Darien Lions Club will also be assisting our seniors with shopping and delivering groceries.  
  • Beginning Monday, March 23, seniors can place orders by calling Steve Wernecke at 708-287-7333 on Monday afternoons between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m or emailing [email protected]. Steve will then call the participating Lions, give them the order and the address, and they will go out on Tuesday morning to pick up the order and deliver it. Please limit orders to $30 and use cash; credit cards payments will not be accepted. Please remember that all items and brands may not be available and we ask for your patience and understanding. If you have any questions, please call City Hall at (630) 852-5000. If the need increases, the Lions will add a second delivery day (Thursday) with orders coming in on Wednesday afternoon.

Brookhaven Marketplace will open early at 6:30 a.m. starting Monday, March 23 for seniors to do their shopping. Brookhaven Marketplace also takes online and phone orders and offers curb-side pickup. A special thank you to John Manos, Brookhaven representative, for making this accommodation.

The Lions Club and Mr. Manos are graciously extending these services at the request of Mayor Marchese .
Keep Calm and Carry Out / Shop Online

The coronavirus crisis is having a devastating impact on local businesses, but you can take steps to help our Darien business community! Local shops and restaurants are open for business – whether virtually or through carry out options. Residents should think local and shop local to support our community.

All restaurants and bars in Illinois will be closed to the public through the end of the month, as directed by the Governor’s Executive Order

Residents can support local restaurants by ordering food delivery and picking up through drive-thru and curbside. Click here for a list of local eateries.

In addition to supporting local restaurants, you can help your other favorite small businesses by: 

  • Purchasing gift cards to use later 
  • Visiting your local business websites shop online 
  • Registering for virtual experiences or classes
Resources for Local Businesses

The City is also keenly aware of the impact this is having on all businesses. The City continues to monitor and share information and resources as they become available: 
  • The U.S. Small Business Administration is working with state governors to provide targeted, low-interest loans to small businesses and non-profits that have been severely impacted by COVID-19. 
  • The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is currently gathering information from small businesses are being negatively impacted. Please complete and submit the form available via this link. This will assist in the evaluation of a request for an economic injury disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The Police Operational Changes Due to COVID-19
The Darien Police Department is implementing additional health and safety precautions to help protect residents and employees from COVID-19 effective immediately and until further notice. These measures are intended to protect the health and safety of Darien’s residents, as well as to keep our officers healthy and able to protect and serve the community. Visit our website for more details on these temporary services changes. 

Visits at the Police Department: There is limited access to the Police Department building. If you need assistance, first call the Police Department directly at (630) 971-3999 or dial 911 if there is an emergency.

Emergency Calls for Service: Darien Police Officers will continue to respond to emergency calls for service. Police officers will maintain social distancing protocols when possible.

Non-Emergency Calls for Service: Darien Police Officers will continue to respond to non-emergency calls for service on a limited basis. If there is any indication of risk of COVID-19 exposure, officers will remedy the situation via telephone.
City of Darien Update on Operations and Services

Starting on March 17, the City modified its hours of operation for in-person visitors. City Hall is open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Essential City services, including police and public works, along with other administrative functions will continue. Please visit Darien’s website at darien.il.us for more information, or call us at (630) 852-5000.
Message from the Mayor  
E arlier this week, Mayor Marchese sent a letter and video message to residents about COVID-19. If you missed it, you can watch it below:
Giving DuPage Urgent Request for Volunteers

Non-profit organizations in DuPage are looking for extra help as many of their regular volunteers are unable to assist or are choosing to stay home. In particular, organizations with a mission focused on housing/homelessness, food security/hunger/meal delivery and seniors are experiencing a large decrease in their regular volunteer base. Visit the Giving DuPage website to volunteer.
Darien Lions Club Queen of Hearts Raffle
As of March 16, the pot is $36,757. Visit the Lions Club Facebook for updates. In response to Illinois Governor Pritzker’s directive, the Darien Lions Club will be postponing the Queen of Hearts Raffle until after March 31.
Darien Events and Happenings
Look out for our Community Calendar - coming soon - for a full list of events in Darien!
All City events have been canceled or postponed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We look forward to sharing information on rescheduled events as more details become available.
Connect with us!

Mayor Joe Marchese, ( 630) 254-2421

Bryon Vana , City Administrator,
(630) 353-8114

City Hall (630) 852-5000

Police Department (630) 971-3999


Community Development (630) 353-8115
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