Spread Holiday Cheer, Not Viruses - A Message from the Illinois Department of Public Health

With seasonal viruses on the uptick for the last several weeks across the state, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding the public to take precautions to protect the health of friends and family who are vulnerable to severe illness. The guidance comes as the CDC is reporting that a total of 48 counties are at an elevated level for COVID-19 hospital admissions according to the CDC’s national COVID Data Tracker, as of the week ending December 9.

Ten counties in Illinois were listed at High level for COVID-19 hospitalizations, the same number as the previous week, meaning they recorded more than 20 COVID-19 hospitalizations per 100,000 of population in the previous week. Thirty-eight counties are at Medium level, down three from the previous week, meaning they recorded between 10 and 20 hospitalizations per 100,000 in the week. Statewide, 1,225 new COVID-19 hospitalizations were reported, down less than 1% from the previous week.

“IDPH wishes all Illinoisans a happy holiday season,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “As we celebrate this joyous time of year with our loved ones, it is important to know your personal risk factors for severe health outcomes and learn how to protect those around you, especially those most vulnerable to severe disease. COVID-19, flu, and RSV continue to circulate across Illinois, and I encourage all Illinoisans to use the many tools available to stay healthy and safe. Remember, ‘Tis the Sneezin’.”

IDPH launched a new awareness campaign this fall called ’Tis the Sneezin’ to remind Illinoisans that vaccinations provide the best protection against the triple threat of COVID-19, flu and RSV.

Holiday hosts are urged to enhance the safety of guests by providing proper indoor ventilation, encouraging good hand hygiene, and reminding guests to cover coughs and sneezes. If someone is feeling symptoms of a respiratory virus – such as coughing, sneezing, sore throat, a runny nose or fever - it’s best to get tested and wear a mask around others so as not to spread illness.

The updated COVID-19 shots are effective against the currently dominant Covid-19 variants and are recommended for all people 6 months and older. People with egg allergy may now get any flu vaccine (egg-based or non-egg-based) that is otherwise appropriate for their age and health status and do not need to limit themselves to non-egg based shots alone. Those older than 65 years should receive any one of the higher dose or “adjuvanted” influenza shots. The RSV shots are now available for those over 60 years and pregnant people. Older adults with risk factors for RSV should talk to their provider about which shot is right for them.

To help keep the public informed about conditions around the state, IDPH recently launched an Infectious Respiratory Disease Surveillance Dashboard that will be updated weekly on Fridays. This report provides the public the latest data on hospital visits, seasonal trends, lab test positivity and demographic data.

It is also easy to track data at the county level on a new national respiratory virus dashboard launched by the CDC this fall that allows the public to view weekly updates on the levels of COVID-19, flu and RSV.

The federal government recently announced that every household in the U.S. is eligible to receive four free at-home tests through the COVID.gov website.

For those who are uninsured or under-insured, the CDC this summer launched the Bridge Access Program that will cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccines. The Vaccines for Children Program will cover vaccines for eligible children. 

For treatment of COVID-19, Illinoisans who experience symptoms can access no cost-share telehealth services through the SIU School of Medicine Covid Test to Treat services or call (217) 545-5100. An additional option is the NIH Test to Treat line or call 1-800-682-2829 to get access to no-cost care.

The federal government has established a website that provides an all-purpose toolkit with information on how to obtain masks, treatment, vaccines and testing resources for all areas of the country at: https://www.covid.gov/

Click here to order free at-home COVID-19 tests!

The Village of Westchester is pleased to announce a rebate program to assist up to 100 low-income senior residents, aged 65 or older, with snow removal on their private property. Interested participants must apply annually and meet eligibility requirements. Applications for the 2023-2024 season are currently open and will be accepted until February 1, 2024, or until the program reaches capacity, whichever comes first. Applications will be processed in the order they are received. Click here for program details, eligibility requirements, and the application!

Best of Proviso Township Organization - “Holiday Lights and Love Caravan”

The Village of Westchester Fire Department & Police Department participated in the Best of Proviso Township Organization's fourth annual "Holiday Lights and Love Caravan" this past Saturday. The event featured a vehicle parade in front of the Ronald McDonald Children's Hospital of Loyola University Medical Center and the Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Administration Hospital to provide holiday cheer to patients and staff.

VILLAGE OFFICES CLOSED 12/29/23 & 1/1/24

Village Hall & Public Works will be closed on Friday, December 29 & Monday, January 1 in observance of the New Year! Thank you to the Police Department & Fire Department who will be working to ensure we can enjoy a safe holiday with our loved ones.

SENIORS ONLY DMV CLOSED 1/1/24

The Seniors Only DMV facility located inside Village Hall will be closed Monday, January 1, in observance of the New Year. Regular hours will resume Tuesday, January 2, from 8am to 4pm.

GARBAGE COLLECTION SCHEDULE CHANGE

There will be no garbage collection on Monday, January 1. Monday’s collection will be postponed to Tuesday, January 2, and Tuesday’s collection will be postponed to Wednesday, January 3. Thursday’s & Friday’s collection will take place as regularly scheduled.

CHRISTMAS TREE DISPOSAL

Waste Management will collect live Christmas trees up to 5 feet in length on your regular garbage day the first two weeks of January. Trees over 5 feet in length must be cut into smaller pieces.

VACATION WATCH

Going out of town for the holidays? The Westchester Police Department will conduct security checks at your home while you're away. Click here to fill out the form!

RENTAL PROPERTY OWNERS MUST OBTAIN CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION

-The Village amended Municipal Code Chapter 7.128 “Rental Residential Property, Inspection, and Certification” on 11/28/23.

-As of 11/28/23, all owners of rental residential property must obtain a Certificate of Inspection in order to register their property for renting.

-You can apply for a Certificate of Inspection at the Village of Westchester Building Department.

-If you are a renter in the Village of Westchester, please make sure to talk with your landlord regarding the Certificate of Inspection.

-Certificates of Inspection must be obtained by May 27, 2024. Failure to do so will result in a citation.

-Please contact the Village Building Department at (708) 345-0199 with any questions!

WINTER PARKING RESTRICTIONS

Winter Parking Restrictions started December 1st, 2023 and end March 31st, 2024, after 2" or more of snowfall.

It is unlawful to park any vehicle, on odd numbered sides of the street on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and on even numbered sides of the street on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays until snow has been removed. Parking Ordinance 11.32.160.

Emergency snow routes prohibit parking any time after accumulation of two or more inches of snow on streets that are designated emergency snow route street. Designated Emergency Snow Routes.

Please follow the posted signs on Village streets to avoid being ticketed or towed. Please call the Police Department at 708-345-0060 extension 2 if you have any questions.



PARKWAY TREE TRIMMING

Sinnott Tree Services Inc. will continue trimming parkway trees for the next several weeks.

Water Meter Replacement Program

123 meters were exchanged this week bringing the total to 5,992 exchanges. Remaining replacements are ongoing.

Note: During this program, residents' water service line materials were inventoried. Residents who already had new water meters prior to this program and therefore did not require a replacement will be receiving a letter from the Village of Westchester regarding submitting information about their water service line. This is due to a state mandate requiring public water systems to establish this inventory. If you have any questions, call Public Works at (708) 345-0041.

Addison Creek Channel Improvements Project

The Addison Creek Channel Improvements Project is being conducted by Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) to reduce overbank flooding to communities along Addison Creek, including Westchester. In conjunction with the Addison Creek Reservoir, the project is designed to reduce flooding for approximately 2,200 properties along Addison Creek. Residents in affected areas will receive notification letters. Click here for more information!

Village Hall Parking Lot Improvements

Parking lot construction is complete! This work has increased the number of parking spots at Village Hall and greatly improves traffic flow and safety for our visitors. Thank you for your patience!

Heather Merritt State Farm Office Has Moved

The office was previously located at 10600 Roosevelt Rd and has moved to 20500 S LaGrange Rd, Frankfort, IL 60423.

Assistance With Heating & Electric Bills

The Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc. (CEDA) would like to remind income-eligible households to apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for assistance with their heating and electric bills. Whether your home is heated by natural gas, electricity, oil, or propane, CEDA can help! There is also cash assistance available for households whose utilities are included in their rent. Qualified homeowners can receive vouchers for repairing or replacing their inoperable heating systems, such as furnaces and boilers. Remember that help is available even if you are not behind on your heating or electric bills!

Visit www.CEDAorg.net/Bills for more details or contact the Call Center at (800) 571- 2332. Applications will be taken first come first served through August 15, 2024, or until funds are exhausted.

Paid Leave for All Workers Act Takes Effect January 1

Click here to read the Press Release from the Illinois Department of Labor regarding this new law.

Keep the Wreath RED!

The Fire Department “Keep the Wreath Red” displays are up at both Fire Stations. This program is a public awareness initiative that encourages residents to protect their families by preventing fires caused by seasonal decorations. The wreaths hanging at the stations begin the season illuminated with red bulbs. Any fire in Westchester caused by holiday decorations will be represented by a white bulb.

These types of fires can occur from candles, decorations placed too close to a heat source, and Christmas trees.

Here are some tips to keep in mind to stay safe when decking the halls this holiday season:

• Be careful with holiday decorations. Make sure decorations are either flame retardant or flame resistant.

• Keep lit candles at least 12 inches away from decorations or anything that can catch fire.

• Keep children and pets away from lit candles.

• Extinguish all lit candles before going to bed or leaving the house.

• Check to make sure your lights are rated for indoor or outdoor use or both.

• Replace any light strands that have worn or broken cords. Make sure to read the recommendation for number of light strings you can string together.

• Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.

• If you have a real Christmas tree, make sure to check water levels daily! It is not unusual for a tree to drink two gallons of water the first day it is in the stand.

• Keep real Christmas trees away from a heat source. It can dry out the tree quickly.

Welcome to The Jungle Plate located at 9916 Roosevelt Road!

Try their delicious African & Caribbean fusion cuisine and unique craft beverages!