April 20, 2020 Update from the Mayor

Today, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced 1,151 new confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois. Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 31,508 cases, including 1,349 deaths, in 95 counties in Illinois.  Hickory Hills now has 36 confirmed COVID cases and 2 confirmed deaths related to COVID.  A male and female in the 60-69 age range.  Palos Hills has 54 COVID cases and also 2 deaths.  Even more tragically, Bridgeview has had 16 and Oak Lawn 21 COVID related deaths.  It troubles me to share such sobering statistics, but let this serve as a reminder that this is a dreadful virus and we have all come too far to now let our guards down.  I now wear a mask when going to public places like grocery stores.  While masks are not yet mandatory throughout the state, in my opinion discretion is the better part of valor.

As you can see from the following hospital data, everyone’s social distancing efforts seem to have prevented the hospital system from being overwhelmed beyond capacity with COVID patients.   hospital resource utilization data on their website (available via this link), including intensive care unit bed and ventilator usage.

As a resource, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has provided a Guide for Consumers Struggling to Repay their Debts During the COVID-19 Pandemic (available via this link). This guide provides state and federal assistance and information that is available to assist those facing financial hardship.

Blood Drive Update

Thanks to all 39 people who donated at the city blood drive yesterday at our community center.  These donations will directly support 117 hospital patients!  I would like to personally thank Alicia Vodicka who coordinates all of the city blood drives throughout the year and her husband, Treasurer Vodicka, for their continued dedication and volunteer work in support of these vital events!

Relevant Quote

General of the Army Douglas MacArthur said in April 1944: “Like Abraham Lincoln, I am a firm believer in the people, and, if given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crises. The great point is to bring before them the real facts.

Comedian Jim Gaffigan on CBS Sunday Morning

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jim-gaffigan-kids-quarantine-and-sanity-are-not-compatible/

Bear with Cubs Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Tennessee…must watch

https://www.cbsnews.com/video/nature-bear-with-cubs/

Have a great rest of the week and thank you for continuing to follow the recommendations of our public health experts.

Mayor Mike