April 29, 2020 Update from the Mayor

April 29, 2020 Update from the Mayor

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced 2,253 new confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois. Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 50,355 cases, including 2,215 deaths, in 96 counties in Illinois.  There are now 57 confirmed COVID cases in Hickory Hills with 2 reported deaths.

Tomorrow, Governor JB Pritzker is expected to sign an executive order modifying and extending his original Stay at Home Order. Available via this link is a draft outline of the new Stay at Home Order; please keep in mind that the final executive order may be different than this draft version.

Below is a summary of the modifications that would be changed under this draft:

  • Face coverings are required to be worn by all individuals, when medically tolerable, who are in public places and unable to maintain adequate social distancing of six feet, except for children under age two and when with members of the same household. Face coverings will be required in indoor public places such as stores.
  • All essential businesses may remain open consistent with the original executive order. Essential retail stores shall reduce their occupancy capacity to 50% or to the capacity set by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) based on store square footage, provide face coverings to all employees who cannot maintain social distancing of six feet at all times, set up store aisles to be one-way, communicate these requirements to customers through signage and public service announcements and discontinue use of reusable bags.
  • Non-essential retail stores may reopen to take orders online or over the phone for either pickup outside the store or delivery. Employees must maintain social distancing of six feet or wear a face covering when that is not possible.
  • All businesses that have employees physically reporting to a work-site must post IDPH’s guidance regarding workplace safety during the COVID-19 emergency. The Governor’s Office has informed IML that IDPH’s guidance will be made available concurrently with the signed order.
  • Fishing and boating in groups of no more than two per watercraft will be permitted.
  • Golf courses will be permitted to open only when following strict guidelines provided by DCEO (available via this link).
  • Some state parks will be reopened. The list of state parks that will reopen is available via this link.
  • Pet grooming services will be allowed to reopen.
  • Educational institutions may allow and establish procedures for pick-up of necessary supplies or student belongings and dormitory move-out. These procedures must be in a manner consistent with public health guidelines and social distancing requirements.

Little Necessities Box in Front of City Hall

City Clerk Dee Catizone City Clerk Dee Catizone shown filling up the City’s Little Necessities Box that is available to any Hickory resident in need.

Map of Locally Owned Restaurants With Carry Out and Delivery

Chris Pearson, our Assistant Public Works Director, created a map displaying many of our locally owned restaurants that continue to offer carry out and delivery.  I should add that the following businesses also remain open to serve your needs:  Crispy Bitez is right next door to M&M Food; Jade Palace and Sal’s Cheesesteak in the Hill Creek Plaza near the Subway; the Pit Rib House and Pita Land.  Obviously, our many national chain restaurants remain open like Denny’s, McDonalds, Burger King, Jimmy Johns, Subway, Wendy’s and Taco Bell.

https://hhpw.maps.arcgis.com/apps/StoryMapBasic/index.html?appid=d4a7d5bff63c4273b533b39f5b4e5ebe

Digital Video Board at 87th and 88th Avenue Available For Special Announcements

The company that owns the digital video board told me that residents may rent the billboard for short term announcements such as graduations, birthdays, Mothers Day etc.  All inquiries should be directed to Todd Sanders (847) 344-2918 or at todd@chicagobillboards.com.

Lombard Public Works Employees Save Baby Ducks in Sewer Drain

https://twitter.com/i/status/1255623747299655696

One of my wife’s favorite scenes from Everybody Loves Raymond….hoping it is because she is a teacher and not because she feels like Debra.

One more day of rain then it looks like some nice weather.

Mayor Mike