Special E-News Edition
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
Information regarding the Coronavirus pandemic is released daily and on an ongoing basis. This special edition of the Village of Mundelein’s E-Newsletter is intended to be a helpful news source for our residents focusing on important issues related to COVAID-19—locally, statewide, and nationally. Additionally, we update the Village’s dedicated coronavirus website page daily. Please visit mundelein.org for your latest information on this crisis. 
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
Building Department Update on Permits and Licensing

Is the permitting team working while the Village Hall is closed to the public?
Yes. Mundelein’s Building Department staff are continuing to process permit applications remotely. They have put in place a drop-off and pick-up location for plans in the east lobby of the Village Hall which is open from 8 a.m. -5 p.m. Monday thru Friday. The Village Hall is currently closed to the public, so staff will NOT be available to assist customers. A staff employee will, however, review building plans and be in contact as soon as possible once the review process is completed.

Is the Village currently performing inspections?

The Building Department will no longer conduct interior inspections on occupied homes. However, building inspections for new construction or exterior projects will continue. 

While on-site, inspectors will take the following precautions to help maintain a safe and sanitary environment for everyone:

  • Staff will wear disposable latex gloves. Gloves will be changed as necessary, but certainly before and after completing any inspections.
  • Staff will use hand sanitizer nearby and use it before and after inspections.
  • No handshakes or fist bumps.
  • Staff will adhere to the six-foot social distance guidelines as outlined by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
  • Staff may be wearing face masks, shields, or other protective equipment.
SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE 
Online Training Available for Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus

All Illinois small businesses can now apply for low-interest disaster loans to help offset the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The Illinois District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration will host free webinars for as long as there is demand addressing:

  • Eligibility
  • Use of proceeds
  • Terms
  • Filing requirements 
  • Additional small business resources

To view all upcoming events visit:  sbaillinois.eventbrite.com


Emergency Business Support-Review Loan Options Available

This is an unprecedented time period for everyone, and we know this crisis has had a devastating impact on many local businesses. The Village of Mundelein will continue to provide information and resources regarding the Covid-19 emergency via its website and will update the page as more information becomes available. The Village does not administer these programs, so please contact the applicable institution with specific inquiries.

Federal loans are available through the Small Business Administration (SBA). These loans include 12 months of deferred payments, low interest rates, and a term of up to 30 years. Most businesses and non-profit organizations are eligible. Visit the SBA Coronavirus Page for more information.

Other opportunities are available through the State of Illinois. Specifically, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has several grants and loans available. Please visit the DCEO webpage for more information. 

Mundelein Business Community-We Need Your Feedback!

The Coronavirus pandemic continues to have a devastating impact on local businesses. Lake County Partners, our local “go to” organization for business support, needs input from the Mundelein business community to determine the toll of COVID-19 and help to inform local leaders the extent of the problem. Your feedback will help to facilitate possible assistance. 

Please share your thoughts via this survey .

Please share this survey link with your businesses so that Lake County Partners can determine the local business impact of COVID-19: 

COMMUNITY NEWS
Fremont Township Food Pantry Open—Donations Needed

In this time of great need, Fremont Township Manager, Diana O’Kelly, said the Fremont Township Food Pantry is in need of the following items: Size 4 and 5 diapers, spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, crackers, instant flavored oatmeal, applesauce, canned fruit, rice, sloppy joe Sauce, jelly, cereal and side dishes. The pantry also needs toiletries- (shampoo, conditioner, deodorant) and cleaning supplies. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

JUST A REMINDER!!
Please Support our Mundelein Restaurants During Illinois Shutdown. Our thoughts are with everyone as we all work to navigate this challenging time. As you know, COVID-19 is significantly impacting our restaurants. 

To support all our Mundelein restaurants we all love, we offer a few simple suggestions residents can do to help their favorite restaurants survive this ongoing crisis: 

  • Order take-out or delivery. This action gives the restaurant business and keeps you well fed. 
  • Consider purchasing restaurant gift cards if they’re offered.
  • Tip generously if you can afford it. Tipped workers are some of the first to suffer in times of economic distress.


Blood Donations Desperately Needed—Here’s How You Can Help

There is a critical blood shortage. People who are healthy and able to donate blood should consider making an appointment at a local blood donation facility. Vitalant (formerly LifeSource) operates two donation locations in Lake County, one in Gurnee and one in Lake Bluff. They are extending their hours and encourage eligible donors to call (877) 258-4525 or visit https://www.vitalant.org/Home.aspx to schedule an appointment. Also, Information on upcoming American Red Cross blood drives can be found at https://www.redcrossblood.org/.

Wipes Clog Pipes! DO NOT FLUSH!
Due to the spread of COVID-19, the use of “flushable” and disinfecting wipes has increased. Mundelein Public Works reminds residents to NEVER flush wipes, regardless of if they’re labeled “flushable.”  

As you can see in the photo taken by Public Works staff on April 1st, wipes easily clog pipes and damage equipment. Crews spent the day removing the wipes and making repairs. These clogs often lead to sanitary sewer backups in homes and increased maintenance and cost.  

Additionally, paper towels, baby wipes, rags, napkins, sanitary products, cotton balls/ swabs, and tissues should never be flushed either. Only human waste and toilet paper are safe to flush.

Mundelein’s Spring Clean-Up…Postponed

Mundelein’s Spring Clean-Up originally scheduled for April 28-May 8 has been postponed. This community-wide clean-up event WILL be rescheduled at future date…yet to be determined. 

Landscape Waste Sticker Program Now Underway

The Village of Mundelein’ Landscape Waste Collection Program operates from April 1 through November 30. Landscape waste is collected on regular collection days. Although landscape waste collection remains unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic at this time, changes may occur in the future.  

Acceptable landscape waste includes grass clippings, leaves, twigs, garden debris, weeds, fruits, seeds, stalks and vines. Landscape waste does NOT include wood timbers, plastic edging, plant pots or trays, fertilizer or landscape material bags, landscape fabric, root sections, sand, gravel, sod, firewood, rocks, bark, wood chips, excess amounts of dirt or animal waste.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, residents may purchase stickers from the Village by mailing a check to Village Hall or dropping it off in the night box. The check amount should equal the number of stickers requested ($2.70 each). Checks should be written to the Village of Mundelein. Please note your return address if different than what is printed on the check.  

Mundelein’s Street Program to Continue

Last year's remaining street work remobilized this week with Orchard Avenue surface removal and landscape restoration. All trades performing the street work are authorized as essential services since they are working toward repairing public infrastructure.
Village Implements Remote Meetings Due to Disaster Declaration.

Considering the disaster declaration extension until April 30 by Governor Pritzker, Mundelein officials have implemented remote meetings for all commission and committee meetings. Please visit Mundelein’s website for up-to-date information.

Doubletree Libertyville-Mundelein Introduces Special Savings Program
Mundelein’s Doubletree Hotel is pleased to introduce a special room booking savings program. Book your rooms during the month of May (meeting or group room block) for use between June thru August Meeting and group room block and receive the following perks: 

15% off food and beverage 
10% Percent off AV 
3X HILTON HONORS EVENT PLANNER BONUS POINTS

Book an ADDITIONAL meeting between September thru December 2020 and receive the following perks:

10% off Food and Beverage 
10,000 ADDITIONAL HILTON HONORS EVENT PLANNER BONUS POINTS

For more Information, please contact: Rita Lavelle-Director of Catering at 847-970-6953 or  [email protected] .

Mundelein’s Lakes Apothecary Stocked Up and Ready to Help

Byron Strakusek, RPh, owner of Lakes Apothecary, has stocked up on many items that residents have been seeking. He has a good supply of alcohol, thermometers, and other items (including prescription medications) that are in short supply and that people have expressed interest in acquiring. Lakes Apothecary is located at 404 North Seymour Avenue in Mundelein and the business phone number is 224-475-0020.

Mundelein Arts Commission Introduces “Sofa Shakespeare”
The Mundelein Arts Commission (MAC) is canceling its 2020 Summer Shakespeare Shorts production of “The Comedy of Errors.” In lieu of these performances, the MAC invites residents to take part in the group’s “Sofa Shakespeare” production of a Shakespeare play, in which Lake County residents are invited to submit a 1-minute excerpt from a play that will be edited and adapted into a single, most likely strange/hilarious performance to be released online. To register for a minute spot in “The Taming of the Shrew,” please fill out this form:  https://forms.gle/Ff7Qi8j5vS73bQoc6 .

RULES :

  1. You will be assigned a one-minute excerpt and you must adhere to those exact lines. 
  2. Film in landscape (sideways)
  3. You can perform all parts by yourself, use a friend, a pet, animate it, sing it, perform in French…All creative options are available provided you do not exceed the one-minute time limit and you must utilize all of the text. 

Sofa Shakespeare is for anyone who lives or works in Lake County and enjoys reading and performing Shakespeare. Together, we will create one play, one minute at a time. Hopefully, this will be a nice artistic and creative diversion for everyone!
If you have any questions, please email [email protected] .

Heroes Among Us…Local Family, Local Business Team-Up on “MUNDELEIN STRONG” T-Shirt Fundraiser
Mundelein family Martijn and Emily Loerakker have teamed up with family owned Ultimate Screen-Printing to produce, “MUNDELEIN STRONG” t-shirts to be sold as a community fundraiser. These custom designed t-shirts are being sold for $15 and ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE T-SHIRT SALES will be donated to help local food banks and outreach to benefit the Mundelein community.+

The MUNDELEIN STRONG t-shirts are available by clicking:


+ Purchase will benefit Mundelein and Fremont Township families. When proceeds exceed $300, donations will be distributed across multiple local food banks. Proceeds may be distributed as monetary donation or in the form of gift cards to ensure all proceeds are to feed local families.
MUNDELEIN POLICE DEPARTMENT REMINDER
MPD Reminds Residents to Practice Social Distancing…It’s the Law
This is a message from the Mundelein Police Department. We want to remind you that Governor Pritzker’s Executive order to not congregate in groups and to practice social distancing has been extended to April 30th. Spring weather is upon us and we know you would like to be outside, but we need your help to flatten the curve and get back to normal as soon as possible. Gathering in parks and in groups is a direct violation of the stay at home order and social distancing. The parks may be used for individual exercise, but group activities of any kind will be dispersed. We are asking for the community’s help as enforcement is not our preferred method. Remember, we are in this together. 

MPD Recuerda a los Residentes a Practicar el... Es la Ley

Queremos recordarle que la orden ejecutiva del gobernador Pritzker de no congregarse en grupos y practicar el distanciamiento social se extendió hasta el 30 de Abril. El clima de primavera está sobre nosotros y sabemos que le gustaría estar afuera, pero necesitamos su ayuda para aplanar la curva y volver a la normalidad lo antes posible. Reunirse en parques y en grupos es una violación directa del orden de permanencia en el hogar y el distanciamiento social. Los parques pueden usarse para ejercicio individual, pero las actividades grupales de cualquier tipo se dispersarán. Solicitamos la ayuda de la comunidad ya que la aplicación de la ley no es nuestro método preferido. Recuerde, estamos juntos en esto.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Current FAQ’s from Residents

What is quarantine and why is it used?
Quarantine is put in place to prevent the possible spread of an infectious disease from someone who may have been exposed to the disease but is not yet sick. When people are quarantined, they are kept separate from others until they are out of the period when they could get sick. During that time, health officials track their health so that if they do develop symptoms, they can get to a healthcare provider.

What is the difference between quarantine and isolation?
Quarantine is for people who are not currently showing symptoms but are at increased risk for having been exposed to an infectious disease. Isolation is for people who are currently ill and able to spread the disease and who need to stay away from others in order to avoid infecting them. 

How does self-quarantine work?
When people are in self-quarantine, they have no symptoms, but because there is a possibility that they might have been exposed, they stay away from others in public settings. For 14 days from their last possible exposure, people in self-quarantine cannot go to work, school, or any public places where they could have close contact with others. Public health departments direct them in how to monitor their health so that should they develop symptoms, they can be quickly isolated from all others, including their household. 

When do I seek medical evaluation and advice?
If you have symptoms like cough, fever, and other respiratory problems, contact your regular doctor first. Do not go to the emergency room. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. If you do have difficulty breathing, it doesn’t mean you have coronavirus, but you should call 9-1-1.

How can I avoid contracting and spreading COVID-19?
It’s important that everyone take steps to reduce the spread on the coronavirus. Steps you can take to prevent the spread of the flu and the common cold, will also help prevent coronavirus:

  • Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer. 
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. 
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • Practice social distancing by staying at least 6 feet away from other people.

What is the difference between an outbreak, an epidemic and a pandemic?
An epidemic or outbreak refers to an increase, often sudden, in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in that population, in that area. A pandemic is the worldwide spread of a new disease, usually affecting many people.  
FEMA INFORMATION
FEMA Offers Resource Page to Dispel COVAID-19 Rumors

The purpose of the FEMA Coronavirus Rumor Page is to help the public distinguish between rumors and facts regarding the response to coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Rumors can easily circulate within communities during a crisis. Do your part to the stop the spread of disinformation by doing 3 easy things; don’t believe the rumors, don’t pass them along and go to trusted sources of information to get the facts about the federal (COVID-19) response.

Always go to trusted sources of information like coronavirus.gov or your state and local government’s official websites or social media accounts for instructions and information specific to your community. Visit the FEMA Coronavirus Rumor Page.

For more information on the coronavirus, please visit coronavirus.gov . You can also visit our coronavirus (COVID-19) response page for more updates on the federal response. Follow state and local officials as well for instructions and information specific to your community.
COVID-19 SCAMS 
FTC Warns Residents about Scams Related to COVID-19

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued important warnings about scammers who are taking advantage of fears surrounding COVID-19. Learn more about Coronavirus scams from the Federal Trade Commission .

Tips for avoiding these scams:

  • Hang up on robocalls.  
  • Ignore online offers for vaccinations and home test kits. 
  • Don’t click on or respond to emails asking for personal information in order to receive an economic stimulus check from the government. 
  • Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know. 
  • Don’t click on or respond to emails that claim a positive COVID-19 test within your workplace. 
  • Don’t click on or respond to emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health Organization.  
RESIDENT RESOURCES
Refer to the Experts for the Latest Coronavirus Information 

In this time of fear and uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus crisis, you may have noticed a surge of false COVID-19 treatment claims on social media channels, in the media, and during routine conversations. To ensure you are getting the most up-to-date, accurate information regarding this pandemic, please seek your information directly from trusted medical sources. By going directly to resources that depend on the medical and scientific communities for information, you can feel confident that you are well informed by the best minds on this unprecedented pandemic. 

Please bookmark these websites and visit the sites often:


Daily Herald’s Coronavirus Newsletter…Sign Up HERE! 

Sign-up NOW for the Daily Herald’s Coronavirus Newsletter to keep you up-to-date on the spread of the virus globally, in the United States, and in the suburbs. For more information and to sign-up for the newsletter, click here
FROM THE MAYOR
Thank You to the Helpers

Mayor Lentz and the Board of Trustees express their heartfelt gratitude to ALL THE HELPERS throughout the Village of Mundelein who are working selflessly and tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the Village operating and helping EVERYONE to stay safe, fed, cared for, and informed.

As the beloved television personality Mister Rogers famously said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”

In these challenging times, the helpers are everywhere. They are the first responders, health care workers, farmers, mail carriers, grocery store employees, pharmacists, factory workers, delivery drivers, restaurant staff, civil service employees, government staff, store clerks, nursing home staff, journalists – anyone working to keep us safe, healthy, informed and as close to our normal lives as possible.

WE SAY, “THANK YOU” TO THE HELPERS!