The smaller regions represent 11 Emergency Medical Services Regions 

Yesterday, Governor Pritzker announced “Restore Illinois” – his five-phased plan to reopen the state. This initial framework is guided by health metrics and with distinct business, education, and recreation activities characterizing each phase. The plan will be updated as testing and tracing ramp-up and as treatments or vaccines are approved.

The Governor’s Plan is driven by regional healthcare availability and recognizes the distinct impact COVID-19 has had on different regions of our state and accounts for regional variations in hospital capacity. For the purposes of this plan, four health regions are being established, each with the ability to independently move through a phased approach: Northeast Illinois; North-Central Illinois; Central Illinois; and Southern Illinois.

Each region may progress through the phases independent of the other regions.

Mayor Lightfoot is developing a similar plan for Chicago to complement Restore Illinois. Updates regarding local reopening information will be provided in future Reilly Reports.

For more information CLICK HERE to read Alderman Reilly Reports 5-6-20.

As a reminder, Illinois residents are required to wear face coverings in public where six feet of distance between individuals cannot be maintained, like in stores. For residents who have homemade, cloth face coverings, please ensure your mask does the following:

While wearing face masks is now required, please note that it does not replace or substitute social distancing. When wearing a mask, please continue to practice social distancing from others, frequent hand cleaning and other preventative measures.

Alderman Reilly will have a number of masks available for distribution to 42nd Ward residents. As a reminder, these masks will be prioritized for residents who belong to a vulnerable population, including seniors 65 and older, those with underlying medical conditions that put them at higher risk, and essential personnel.

If you or a member of your immediate household falls into these categories, and you do not otherwise have access to a mask, please COMPLETE THIS FORM and Alderman Reilly’s office will do their best to provide you with a mask. Because there are a limited number of masks to distribute, we hope that residents will use discretion in requesting a mask.

Please note, these masks are for 42nd Ward residents only, if you reside outside of the 42nd Ward, please contact your local Alderman. To look up your local Alderman, please CLICK HERE.

For the most up-to-date COVID-19 information, please visit: City of Chicago, State of Illinois, and CDC.

How can we better connect habitat to human health? This Earth Week, register for a virtual panel on the Wild Mile, a project to transform a human-made branch of the Chicago River into a 17-acre floating eco-park.

Panelists from a number of organizations that developed and contributed to this unique effort will discuss the vision to strengthen neighborhood connectivity, generate cleaner water, and support more vibrant ecosystems along the east side of Chicago’s Goose Island, on the North Branch Canal and Turning Basin.

Tune in to the panel to learn more about the future of the project, the importance of environmental action and ecological restoration along Chicago’s rivers, and ways to get involved. The Wild Mile advances an exciting vision for how cities everywhere can support a thriving, natural environment that coexists within an urban setting.

This virtual panel is free and open to the public and will take place on Thursday, April 23. Register at the link below.

Panelists:

April 23, 2020

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. CST

Register Here

Although our April 18 Ward Park Clean-up was cancelled, you can still participate in Earth Day Activities.

To align with the global 50th Anniversary of Earth Day movement Friends of the Parks has some suggested activities you can do from the safety of your home.  To find out more, CLICK HERE

History of Earth Day

Fifty years ago Earth Day prompted the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts.  In 1970, millions of people stood up to protect our planet – let’s do it again!

The National Recreation and Parks Association states: “While the impacts of climate change are daunting, there is a growing recognition that parks can be part of the climate solution.  Parks reduce harmful carbon pollution that is driving climate change: they protect people and infrastructure from increasingly severe storms, sea-level and lake-level rise, heat waves and droughts; and they also directly reduce some of the primary public health challenges that are exacerbated by climate change.”

Join us this year as we take on the international theme of Climate Action by caring for our park.  It’s a great way to meet your neighbors and make a difference in our community – and in the world.

For over 30 years, Friends of the Parks has been mobilizing community members to participate in Earth Day volunteerism. People from neighborhoods throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs volunteer at their local parks and forest preserves to practice stewardship and celebrate community. This year’s event is conducted in partnership with the Chicago Park District, the Forest Preserves of Cook County and many community groups across Chicagoland.

EARTH WEEK kicks off on Monday April 20! For more information click here to visit the Friends of the Parks online, or here to visit the International Earth Day website.

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 Individual, Family, 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

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 Chicago, State 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“.

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.

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.

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

Bijan’s Bistro

663 N. State Street

Chicago, Illinois 60654

Offers Delivery:  Yes

Offers Pickup:  Yes

Daily Special:  No

Menu

Fogo De Chao

661 N. LaSalle Blvd

Chicago, Illinois 60654

Offers Delivery:  Yes

Offers Pickup:  Yes

Daily Special:  Yes

Menu

Meli Cafe

540 N. Wells  Street

Chicago, Illinois 60654

Offers Delivery:  Yes

Offers Pickup:  Yes

Daily Special:  No

Menu

STK Chicago

9 W. Kinzie Street

Chicago, Illinois 60654

Offers Delivery:  Yes

Offers Pickup:  Yes

Daily Special:  No

Menu

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

521 N. Rush Street

Chicago, Illinois 60654

Offers Delivery:  Yes

Offers Pickup:  Yes

Daily Special:  Yes

Menu

Kinzie Chophouse

400 N. Wells Street

Chicago, Illinois 60654

Offers Delivery:  Yes

Offers Pickup:  Yes

Daily Special:  No

Menu

MIX Kitchen United

839 N. Sedgwick Street

Chicago, Illinois 60610

Offers Delivery:  Yes

Offers Pickup:  Yes

Daily Special:  No

Menu

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.  

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:

• Taking advantage of take-out options – See RNRA Sponsor Restaurants Open for Pick-up and Delivery During the Pandemic
• Purchasing gift cards to share with friends and family
• Support those essential services that are open

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

• Boulevard Veterinary River North
• Companion Animal Hospital River North*
• Dog.Hotel|Daycare*
• TailsUp*

Financial Services

• First Northern Credit Union*
• Wintrust Community Advantage

Groceries

• 7-ELEVEN

Health Care

• East Bank Chiropractic*
• Lumiere Children’s Therapy (Open only for tele-health and ABA services)*
• React Physical Therapy
• River North Physical Therapy

Hotels

• Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown
• The St. Claire Magnificent Mile*
• The Godfrey Hotel Chicago*

Other Essential Services

• East Bank Storage*
• Erie LaSalle Body Shop & Car Care Center*
• New City Moving
• Saper Law*
• SpeedPro Imaging – Chicago Loop*
• State Farm – Jeff Stogsdill*
• The Building Group
• The Mandile + Lorimer Property Group*

RNRA SPONSORS – RESTAURANTS OFFERING TAKE-OUT

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE THEIR MENUS

• Bijan’s Bistro* (Starting Thursday March 26)
• Eddie V’s Prime Seafood*
• Fogo de Chao*
• Kinzie Chophouse*
• Kitchen United MIX (formerly Eats on Sedgwick)*
• Meli Cafe
• STK Chicago*
• Victory Italian*

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.