This afternoon, Governor J.B. Pritzker announced he is extending the “Shelter in Place” (or “Stay at Home”) Order until April 30, 2020 in a further effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of Illinois residents.

As a reminder, the Stay at Home Order requires all residents to stay at home, unless traveling for essential needs or business. In accordance with the extension, City Hall, Chicago Public Libraries, certain Chicago Park District properties, and Chicago Public Schools will remain closed until April 30th as well, with remote learning beginning on April 13th.

To keep up-to-date on current information from the Chicago Department of Public Health, 

CLICK HERE

Below is a list of local organizations in need of assistance. While volunteer opportunities are more limited at this time, there are still opportunities for healthy and able-bodied individuals to assist nonprofit organizations across the city.

Individuals who prefer not to do in-person volunteer activities at this time may instead help out by donating needed items, or making monetary contributions, to local organizations that are working with vulnerable populations.

If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbors on your block or in your condo, please take time to call and check up on them. You may also consider volunteering to go to the store on their behalf for food and other necessities.

In response to the excessive gatherings of people along Chicago’s Lakefront, Riverwalk and 606 Trail this week, effective immediately, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot has issued an executive order closing these spaces to the public until further notice. These measures are designed to protect the health and safety of residents amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). For more information on this executive order, please click here .

Please read the following response from the Chicago Park District.  Please note that WITH THE EXCEPTION OF PLAYGROUNDS, all outdoor spaces are open for public use.  Dog Friendly Areas remain open.  ALL PLAYGROUNDS ARE CLOSED.

For everyone’s safety please continue practicing social distancing by keeping 6 foot distances, continue hand washing for 20 seconds and please stay home if you feel ill.   

Governor Pritzker has issued a “Stay at Home” Executive Order in a further effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of Illinois residents. The Order is effective TODAY,  March 21st at 5 p.m. and directs residents to stay home unless engaged in essential activities.

According to the Order, residents should not engage in public gatherings and should avoid travel, unless absolutely essential. However, you may leave your home for health care needs, to buy groceries, exercise or to take care of someone who needs it. The Executive Order will remain in place until April 7th, unless extended.

There is some confusion and misinformation about what the “Stay at Home” Order entails. Please remember this Order is mandatory. To help prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in Illinois and protect neighbors and vulnerable populations, please stay home.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the Order:

How will this order be enforced?
Staying home is critical to reducing the spread of COVID-19 in your community. The Illinois State Police will work with local law enforcement to enforce this order but adhering to the order will save lives and it is the responsibility of every Illinoisan to do their part.

Will the Illinois National Guard be enforcing this order?
No. The Illinois National Guard will be supporting logistics, transportation, and medical response efforts. The Guard will not be enforcing this order.

I work in an essential service. How will the police know I’m allowed to be outside my house?
Law enforcement officials will not stop residents who are on their way to or from work or who are out for necessities like going to the pharmacy or getting groceries, or just taking a walk. Illinoisans should abstain from all nonessential activities. Adhering to the order will save lives and it is the responsibility of every Illinoisan to do their part.

Will grocery stores be open?
Yes, essential services will still be operational including, but not limited to:
* Grocery stores
* Gas stations
* Pharmacies
* Police stations
* Fire stations
* Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare operations
* Garbage/sanitation
* Public transportation
* Public benefits (i.e. SNAP, Medicaid) hotlines
* A full list can be found in the executive order

How can I get medical care if I need it?
If you are feeling sick, call your doctor, a nurse hotline, any telehealth hotline set up specifically for COVID-19 (check with your insurance company) or an urgent care center. Do not go to an emergency room unless necessary. Nonessential medical care like eye exams and teeth-cleaning should be postponed. When possible, healthcare visits should be done remotely. Contact your healthcare provider to see what tele-health services they provide.

What is the guidance for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities?
State Operated Developmental Centers, Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities and Community Integrated Living Arrangements will continue to provide care. All in-home direct care staff are considered essential staff and should continue to support individuals in the home setting.

If you have any specific questions about your support and services, please reach out to your provider or Individual Service Coordination (ISC) Agency. To receive updated information on DDD services, please sign up for the State’s email database, or to update your contact and service information, please visit the Illinois Department of Human Services DDD webpage.

What if I still have to go to work?
Unless your work is an essential function (i.e. healthcare provider, grocery store clerk, first responder), you should stay home. If you have been designated essential by your employer, you should continue to go to work and practice social distancing.

What if I think my business should be closed but I’m still being asked to operate?
Essential businesses will remain open during the Stay at Home order to provide services that are vital to the lives of Illinoisans. Those businesses include, but are not limited to, pharmacies, certain government offices, day care centers that provide care for the children of essential employees, and restaurants providing take-out meals.

If you work for an essential business, you should continue to practice social distancing and should stay at home outside of work hours. If you believe your business is nonessential but are still being asked to show up to work, you may discuss this with your employer.

Can I order food/groceries?
Yes, grocery delivery will be available as well as meal-delivery, drive through, and take-out options.

A certain service is essential for me, but the Governor didn’t include it, what do I do?
The Stay at Home order was issued to protect the health, safety and well-being of Illinoisans. While some businesses like fitness centers and salons will be closed, essential services will always be available. A full list of businesses that will still operate during this time are listed in the executive order.

Can I go out to do laundry?
Yes. Laundromats, dry cleaners and laundry service providers are considered essential businesses that will remain open. However, if you are experiencing symptoms or are currently in isolation, you should stay at home and follow the guidelines provided by your physician.

Can I take my child to daycare?
If you are considered an essential worker under the Order, you can take your child to a daycare that is licensed on an emergency basis for the purpose of childcare for essential workers. Licensed daycare homes for up to 12 children will be closed but may reopen as an unlicensed day care home for up to 6 children.

Can I leave home to exercise?
Yes. Outdoor exercise like running or taking a walk is perfectly acceptable; however, exercise gyms, fitness centers and associated facilities will be closed to reduce the spread of coronavirus. While exercising outside, you should still practice social distancing by running or walking at least six feet away from other people.

Can I pick up meals being provided by my child’s school?
Yes. Schools that provide free food services to students will continue on a pick-up and take-home basis. However, if you are experiencing symptoms or are currently in isolation, you should stay at home and follow the guidelines provided by your physician.

What is the difference between the Stay at Home order and social distancing?
Social distancing is an important first step in preventing the spread of a disease like COVID-19 that allows people to go about their daily activities while taking extra health and safety precautions. The Stay at Home order requires people to remain in their homes unless they have an essential job or are doing an essential task like going to the grocery store or walking a pet.

Can I leave home to go to religious services?
Large gatherings, such as church services, will be cancelled to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

What about my pet?
You are allowed to walk your dog and seek medical care for your pet should they require it. Be sure to practice social distancing while out on walks, maintaining at least 6 feet from other neighbors and their pets.

Does the Stay at Home order mean I can’t take my kids to the park?
State parks will be closed during the Stay at Home order. Families will still be able to go outside and take a walk, run, or bike ride but should continue to practice social distancing by remaining 6 feet away from other people. Playgrounds are closed because they pose a high risk of increasing transmission.

What if my home is not a safe environment?
If it is not safe for you to remain home, you are able and urged to find another safe place to stay during this order. Please reach out so we can help. You may call the domestic violence hotline at 1-877-863- 6338 or contact your local law enforcement.

What about homeless people who can’t stay at home?
The administration wants to protect the health and safety of all Illinoisans, regardless of where they live. State agencies are partnering with community organizations to provide funding and resources to ensure our homeless population has safe shelter.

Can I visit friends and family?
For your safety, as well as the safety of those in your community, you should remain at home to help fight the spread of COVID-19. You may visit family members who need medical or other essential assistance, such as ensuring an adequate supply of food.

Will public transportation and ridesharing be available?
Public transportation and ridesharing should be used for essential travel only. When possible, walk or drive yourself.

Will roads in Illinois be closed?
No, the roads will not be closed in Illinois. You should only travel if it is essential to your work or health.

Can I take a flight out of state?
Planes and any other form of travel should only be used for essential purposes.

To keep up-to-date on current information from the Chicago Department of Public Health, 

CLICK HERE

We are River North. We are dynamic, kind, committed, creative and welcoming. We are the nexus of premier residential life and shopping, revenue generating tourism and the most incredible restaurant and hospitality venues in the city. Unfortunately, many of our residents and businesses have been impacted economically, socially and psychologically by the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.

In the trying days ahead, we must be resilient and caring.  We must lift ourselves and others up as best we can. Follow all of the health and wellness advisories. Wash those hands meticulously and often, and get your rest. Take care of yourself, your family and those who are dear to you. Practice physical distancing, but reach out to your neighbors to make sure that they are OK.

We have been temporarily transfixed in River North. The energy and opportunities that we bring to the city may be diminished right now, but we will rebound.

Until the hospitality businesses that contribute to our delight and vibrancy can open and begin their recovery process, please consider supporting them and their team members with your take-out patronage.  Let’s show them some hope of surviving the COVID challenge.

Above all else…keep all of the medical professionals, first responders and essential service providers who are on the front line to serve and protect us in your thoughts and prayers. They are heroes.

We are River North!  We will remain strong, vigilant and caring.

Mike Riordan
President, RNRA

CLICK HERE to keep on top of the latest updates.

(image courtesy of Chicago Dept. of Planning and Development)

The Chicago Plan Commission approved the development proposal at 225 W. Chicago Avenue / 777 N. Franklin Street. Next, the project development team will be required to present their plans for approval to the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards and City Council.

Centrum Realty & Development has proposed to build a nine story office development for the southeast corner of Chicago & Franklin. Formerly a Wal-Mart Express, the 15,000 square foot building has been vacant for many years.

The proposed planned development plans to construct a 125′-8″ tall building with commercial uses on the ground floor and office uses above. The building has seven accessory vehicular parking stalls and one loading berth.

Located at the Chicago Avenue Brown/Purple Line stop, and served by the #66 Chicago Avenue bus route, the building will have great appeal to public transit users.

The office plans include a fitness and conference center, in addition to a top floor lounge with large outdoor terrace overlooking the city sky line. The project will include retail at the first level, with a targeted tenant mix designed to complement the office users and further activate the intersection.

The proposal has secured the supports of the River North Residents Association (RNRA). For more information about this proposal, click on the following link to view the project materials.

As part of Alderman Reilly’s transparent community process for new developments, your comments and observations are welcome for this project. Please forward any feedback to development@ward42chicago.com.