Alderman Reilly Reports – April 22, 2020 – COVID-19 Guidance for Individuals, Families & Residential Buildings

Dear Neighbor:

Although we have made great progress, Illinois has not yet reached our peak level of new COVID-19 cases. While recent data shows we are moving in the right direction, health experts must see a steady decline in new cases before major social distancing restrictions can be relaxed or lifted.

After weeks of data and trend analysis, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) released updated guidelines at the IndividualFamily, and Multi-Family Residence levels to ensure we are doing all that we can to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

As we stay at home, the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 is to continue to practice good hand hygiene and social distancing when in public. It is also important to note the difference between self-quarantine and self-isolation, terms that have been used frequently since Coronavirus began to spread in the United States.

Chicago Health magazine recently published an informative article distinguishing the difference between “Self-Isolation” and “Self-Quarantine.” It is worth a read.

As a reminder, the following are COVID-19 Facts and Guidelines that apply to 

Know How COVID-19 Is Spread

• Coming in close contact (about six feet or two arm lengths) with a person who has COVID-19 – the virus is primarily spread from person to person.
• Being infected by respiratory droplets via cough, sneeze, or talking.
• Touching a contaminated surface and then your mouth, nose or eyes.
Protect Yourself and Others 
• There is no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid exposure to COVID-19.
• Stay home as much as possible and avoid close contact with others.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Practice Social Distancing
• Complete activities online when possible, including buying groceries and medicine, doctor visits, and banking activities.
• If you must go out in public, maintain 6 feet of distance from others.
• Get deliveries or takeout, limit in-person contact and disinfect packages.
• Prevent the Spread if You Are Sick
• Stay home if you are sick, except to get urgent medical care.
• Avoid using all public transportation, ride-sharing or taxis.
• Separate yourself from the other people and pets in your home.
• There is no specific treatment, but seek medical care for symptoms.
• If you need medical attention, be sure to call the hospital first.

I know that the uncertainty and conflicting messages from various government leaders is causing all of us a tremendous amount of stress and concern.  Please know that the best expert minds, in every level of government, are working around the clock to help us manage this pandemic and identify a path to normalcy.  We will get through this crisis.

Thank you for continuing to be patient during these extraordinary (and sometimes frustrating) restrictions that have been implemented to protect our public health.

Although these restrictions are disruptive to our daily lives and represent a level of personal sacrifice, please remember our many neighbors who serve as first-responders and healthcare workers who are selflessly sacrificing so much more – on a daily basis – to help keep us safe and healthy. Let’s keep those heroes in mind as we stay at home.

We must continue to flatten the curve.  The sooner we can turn the corner on COVID-19, the sooner we can all get Chicago re-opened for business!

For updates on COVID-19, please visit: City of ChicagoState of Illinois, and CDC.

Sincerely,

Brendan Reilly
President Pro Tempore
Alderman, 42nd Ward

To see most recent publications from all three River North Alderman, please go to RNRAChicago.org and select the menu item “Covid-19 Resources” and “Alderman Newsletters Covid-19“.

Aldermen Updates during Covid-19 (Wards 2, 27 and 42)

Our Aldermen continue to send updated information.  Their newsletters can be found on our website RNRAChicago.org under the menu item “Covid-19 Resources – Alderman Newsletters during Covid-19“.

Also under the menu item “Covid-19-Resources” you can  find a link to Covid-19 – Access Resposne Center – Daily Updates.

Are you signed up for our RNRA Newsletter?  It’s easy to do.  Go to RNRAChicago.org.  In the middle of the home screen is a place to sign up to receive our monthly newsletter.

To download our free neighborhood mobile app, My River North, go to the App Store or Google Play.  The app will keep you up to date with news and events, as well as provide deals from local businesses. You can also access our website from the app.

Chicago Police Memorial Foundation VIRTUAL Run to Remember – Join Team 018 Blue for Bauer!

We are just one month away from the event.  Due to the pandemic and orders banning crowds, CPMF is moving the 2020 Run to Remember to a virtual event. Many of your questions will be answered on the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation website.

What is a virtual 5K?
A Virtual 5K is a race that you choose to complete where ever you would like. You can walk, run, use a treadmill, or participate in another race. The beauty of a virtual 5K race is that you can run the race at your pace wherever you choose.

The CPMF appreciates  your continued support of CPMF. CPMF prioritizes the safety of the citizens of Chicago and the CPD extended family and feels this is simply the right thing to do.

For those of you who have not registered, please do! Our Police Officers are out on the street protecting us whether or not there is a global pandemic. Show your support for those in Blue!

Make sure to register under “Join a Team”  –  Team 018 Blue for Bauer

The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation has given $11.1 million of assistance to Chicago Police Families in need.

Restaurants with Pickup or Delivery

The following loyal RNRA sponsors are open for pick-up and/or delivery service. During this difficult time, we encourage you to support the businesses that support our community.

Thanks and bon appetit!

You can find this list on RNRAChicago.org under Sponsors

Angus Burger

Bijan’s Bistro

663 N. State Street

Chicago, Illinois 60654

Offers Delivery:  Yes

Offers Pickup:  Yes

Daily Special:  No

Menu

Fogo-e1586109272517

Fogo De Chao

661 N. LaSalle Blvd

Chicago, Illinois 60654

Offers Delivery:  Yes

Offers Pickup:  Yes

Daily Special:  Yes

Menu

Meli

Meli Cafe

540 N. Wells  Street

Chicago, Illinois 60654

Offers Delivery:  Yes

Offers Pickup:  Yes

Daily Special:  No

Menu

STK Pick-Up

STK Chicago

9 W. Kinzie Street

Chicago, Illinois 60654

Offers Delivery:  Yes

Offers Pickup:  Yes

Daily Special:  No

Menu

Eddie V's

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

521 N. Rush Street

Chicago, Illinois 60654

Offers Delivery:  Yes

Offers Pickup:  Yes

Daily Special:  Yes

Menu

Kinzie Chophouse

Kinzie Chophouse

400 N. Wells Street

Chicago, Illinois 60654

Offers Delivery:  Yes

Offers Pickup:  Yes

Daily Special:  No

Menu

Mix

MIX Kitchen United

839 N. Sedgwick Street

Chicago, Illinois 60610

Offers Delivery:  Yes

Offers Pickup:  Yes

Daily Special:  No

Menu

Victory Italian

Victory Italian

434 W. Ontario Street

Chicago, Illinois 60654

Offers Delivery:  Yes

Offers Pickup:  Yes

Daily Special:  Yes

Menu

Thank you the Greater River North Business Association, co-contributor of content for restaurants that are members of GRNBA as well as sponsors of RNRA.  

Please support our River North Businesses that support our neighborhood!

Our River North streets are quiet these days and the impact is felt by our local businesses. RNRA’s loyal sponsors always support our neighborhood and in turn, we encourage you to support them by:

For more information about these outstanding local businesses and their products and services, please download the FREE My River North mobile app from the App Store or Google Play.   Any business marked with an asterisk (*) below is on the My River North Mobile App with their phone number and website listed for handy reference.

Please make sure to call these businesses first before stopping in.

RNRA SPONSORS – Businesses still operating

Animal Services

Financial Services

Groceries

Health Care

Hotels

Other Essential Services

RNRA SPONSORS – RESTAURANTS OFFERING TAKE-OUT

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE THEIR MENUS

 

To see our full list of sposors, click HERE.

We look forward to better times when we can once again enjoy our community’s wonderful events, dining and nightlife in the company of our friends and neighbors.

Take care of yourselves, we’ll get through this together.

Face Covering Do’s and Don’ts

CARA Urges Safe Running: Wear A Mask 

The Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) has taken a stance on safe running. CARA urges everyone to practice safe social distancing and to commit to wearing a mask.

If you choose to run:

• Begin your run from home.
• Do not run with other. NO groups!
• Don’t run where you are unable to maintain safe physical distancing – find new routes.
• Make room for safe passing.
• Run with a mask or face covering.
Watch this video from CARA Executive Director Greg Hipp showing how to run safely during this pandemic.

Community Alert – Motor Vehicle Thefts-18th District-April 3, 2020

Check Out River North Video on April 4th – River North Becomes a Beacon of Gratitude!

What a great show of love to our local heroes on Saturday April 4th!

Residents all over River North stepped out onto their balconies or opened their windows to shout out some love, bang pans, toot horns and flash lights to express our gratitude to Healthcare Workers, First Responders and Essential Personnel who selflessly serve and sacrifice for our community every day.

Thanks to everyone for sending in your videos.  CLICK HERE to see a few of the great videos sent in Saturday night!

CENSUS 2020 – Complete the Census – Invest in our city!

The City of Chicago is striving for a complete count and hope that all Chicago residents will take this opportunity to invest in their city. You can complete the questionnaire online, by mail or over the phone. It is safe and private. In fact, federal law prohibits anyone at the Census Bureau from sharing personal census information.

The questionnaire is short and asks for basic information (e.g., age, sex, race, type of housing, etc.) for all people living in your household. It does not ask for sensitive information like social security numbers, immigration status or bank account information.

If you have not already completed the form, please take the next 10 minutes to complete the Census online at 2020Census.gov. And, if you have already completed the short questionnaire, thank you, and please encourage your family and friends to do the same.