Getting Ready to Reopen
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Dear Neighbors,

Mayor Lightfoot announced today that the city is "cautiously optimistic" that we will reach the health metrics necessary to move the city to Phase 3 of the   Protecting Chicago framework within the next week or so .

This will include the reopening, with capacity limits, of childcare and in-home daycare, park facilities west of the lakefront, Chicago Public Library locations, professional services, real estate services, hotels and lodging, limited outdoor attractions, partial reopening of restaurants and coffee shops, barber shops & hair/nail salons and non-essential retail. The Mayor will announce more detailed guidance and information about each type of industry next week.

The Mayor highlighted that the total number of new cases and ICU admissions are declining, but t he community spread metric (which are cases that are diagnosed outside of congregate care locations like nursing homes, shelters and jails) is still at 20.5%, higher than the city's goal of 15%.

The Mayor stressed that while our current projections may allow us to go to Phase Three, it will not happen unless the metrics are hit. "It depends on the steps that you take between now and then," particularly:

  • When in the presence of others, keeping 6 feet of physical distance apart and wearing a face covering
  • Limiting non-business, social gatherings to <10 persons
  • Staying at home if you feel ill or have come into contact with someone with COVID-19
  • Continuing to physically distance from vulnerable populations
  • Getting tested if you have symptoms

Cook County has the more Covid-19 cases than anywhere else in the country. 

We are all hopeful that the city continues to make progress so we can visit our neighborhood restaurants and other places, even with limitations.

For more details, read the Mayor's press release. You can see the presentation given at the Mayor's press conference today here.
We Want Your Opinion

Participate in our survey of potential solutions to outdoor use of streets for restaurants and for transportation and recreation. We mentioned yesterday a survey by Hammersley Architecture to solicit feedback about "open streets." You can take that survey here.

But we want our residents' opinions about our streets. Please take our survey here.
CPD Memorial Day Weekend Strategy

The Police Department will increase its patrols beyond its regular deployments starting today and individuals can expect to see a heavier presence of uniformed officers in and around major transit hubs and thoroughfares. While the Department is focused on crime prevention efforts, officers will enforce the Stay at Home order by dispersing any large gatherings and issuing citations where necessary. The Police will also be focusing on motorcycle traffic.

Throughout the weekend, Chicago parks (except the lakefront) will remain open to provide brief respite during the Stay at Home order. The Park District will continue to encourage all residents to ensure they are safely social distancing and wearing cloth masks to further stop the spread of COVID-19.

The lakefront and its adjacent parks will remain closed through Memorial Day weekend, however, CPD’s Bike Unit and Marine Unit will patrol the area to ensure residents are complying with the closure and Stay at Home order. The Chicago Park District has installed barricades and fencing in some areas to remind residents of the restrictions. 

For the latest information and public health guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19, please visit Chicago.gov/COVID. You can watch the police announcement here.
Mental Health Resources
Mental Health Investments in Chicago During COVID19

Mayor Lightfoot and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced a package of mental health supports for Chicago residents who may be facing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can view the Mayor's Press Release here. CDPH will be partnering with four leading community mental health organizations and providing $1.2 million in funding to expand access for persons living with serious mental illness (SMI) such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or co-occurring disorders.
WBBM NewsRadio has more.
Windy City Wellness: Ten Percent Happier

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is supporting self-care for Chicago through a curated collection of talks, guided mindfulness activities, and sleep supports from a diverse set of wellness experts. Windy City Wellness has tools for all Chicagoans - regardless of age or ability - to engage in their own well-being through relaxation mindfulness and meditation techniques.

Those interested can find Windy City Wellness at TenPercent.com.
RCN Response to COVID19

RCN announced it will extend its commitments through June 30 to ensure business and residential customers remain connected to the internet during the COVID-19 crisis.

RCN is offering free internet and WiFi for 60 days to all qualifying low-income households,
especially students in low-income households who do not already subscribe to the
company’s internet service and who enroll in the Internet First program.

More information on Internet First is available at rcn.com/internet-first.
Some Virtual Weekend Activities
Millennium Park at Home
Online Concerts
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
May 22 & 23 House Music
May 29 & 30 Gospel Music
June 5, 6, and 7 Blues Music

If you're missing Millennium Park's renowned cultural programming, you can now enjoy Millennium Park at Home. The concerts featuring local musicians and media hosts start this weekend with House Music tonight and tomorrow. The music posts each night at 6 p.m.
We Gon' Be Alright: Virtual Youth Concert
Saturday, May 23
3:00 p.m.

Tune in to the Mayor's Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter account at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday for the We Gon' Be Alright Virtual Youth Concert featuring Jeremih, DJ Mike P, Bella Bahhs, Sprado, Angelina Victoria, and more. 
Support our Neighborhood Restaurants

Many of the restaurants that add so much to our community are struggling during this crisis. Please patronize our neighborhood businesses as much as possible and try to order directly from the restaurant.

If you are open for business, let us know.
#43 Wears Masks 

Keep sending us photos of you wearing your mask! We appreciate all of the effort you are doing by keeping up with the social distancing order and helping stop the spread COVID19.
Memorial Day Office Closure

The office will be closed on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day. We will reopen with our regular hours on Tuesday, May 26. Please remember to exercise good judgment while social distancing and wear a mask.
Be safe, enjoy the long weekend and Wear A Mask!


#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