October 27, 2020 Update from the Mayor
Illinois health officials on Monday announced 4,729 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the seven-day average for new daily cases to 4,546. It’s the first time since the pandemic began the seven day average has exceeded 4,500. Hickory Hills now has 411 cumulative cases of COVID and 7 related deaths.
State Public Health Officials Announce COVID-19 Resurgence Mitigations to Take Effect in Region 10 (all of suburban Cook County) on October 28, 2020
Below are the new COVID restrictions that will go into effect on October 28, 2020. The measures prohibit indoor restaurant and bar service as summarized below. To offer assistance to our local businesses, the City once again will allow restaurants and bars to offer to go alcohol sales. Our local restaurants and bars have been hit especially hard by COVID so I would strongly encourage you to patronize our local establishments with to go orders. Unlike the first time indoor service was prohibited, I think we all feel much more comfortable ordering food to go and many of our businesses have really streamlined their online and pick up ordering processes.
“We are seeing test positivity across the state increase, but for Region 10, Suburban Cook County, we are also seeing a steady increase in hospitalizations for COVID-like illness,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “At the beginning of the pandemic, we were concerned about overwhelming our hospitals and we must take action now to prevent that possibility. We are entering flu season and our hospitals are facing both COVID-19 and flu admissions. The same things that can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 will help prevent the spread of flu. Please, wash your hands, watch your distance, and wear your mask. And make sure to get your flu shot.”
Bars
• No indoor service
• All outside bar service closes at 11:00 p.m.
• All bar patrons should be seated at tables outside
• No ordering, seating, or congregating at bar (bar stools should be removed)
• Tables should be 6 feet apart
• No standing or congregating indoors or outdoors while waiting for a table or exiting
• No dancing or standing indoors
• Reservations required for each party
• No seating of multiple parties at one table
Restaurants
• No indoor dining or bar service
• All outdoor dining closes at 11:00 p.m.
• Outside dining tables should be 6 feet apart
• No standing or congregating indoors or outdoors while waiting for a table or exiting
• Reservations required for each party
• No seating of multiple parties at one table
Meetings, Social Events, Gatherings
• Limit to lesser of 25 guests or 25 percent of overall room capacity
• No party buses
• Gaming and Casinos close at 11:00 p.m., are limited to 25 percent capacity, and follow mitigations for bars and restaurants, if applicable
These mitigations do not currently apply to schools.
Driven Car Wash “Drive Out Hunger” Campaign In Support of Elsie’s Food Pantry
This holiday season, Driven Car Wash, located at 8856 W. 87th Street, is preparing to host a “Drive Out Hunger” campaign on site. This campaign will allow Driven Car Wash members and customers to fight hunger in the local community and give the gift of food to the families who need it most this holiday season by providing donations to the local food bank. “There’s a great need for help when it comes to fighting hunger, and we’ve noticed this need growing, especially in light of the events of 2020. We are thrilled to be partnering with Elsie’s Food Pantry out of Savior Divine Lutheran Church in Palos Hills, IL to help make change and create sustainable short-term food sourcing for families fighting hunger in our local communities. Every resident deserves the basic necessities and so much more. We are so thankful to be a part of filling the gap between where some people are right now and where they need to be to thrive and live less stressfully,” said owner Christopher Jenks. Driven is offering free Signature washes for customers who donate to the food drive every Tuesday between October 27th and November 23rd. Donations will be accepted at any pay station.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
If you are looking for a place to bike, walk or see Fall colors check out the link below. The Chicago Southland Bureau has launched a great interactive trail guide. Information includes the name of the trail, the surface, length and level of difficulty. Hickory Hills is very fortunate to be adjacent to some great Forest Preserve trails and parking areas for easy access. Get outside and Enjoy!
https://www.visitchicagosouthland.com/trailsanditineraries
Leaf Burning in Hickory Hills is Prohibited
Just a reminder that leaf burning is not allowed in our city. Burning leaves releases irritants into the air that contribute to respiratory problems and other health issues. The EPA advises that leaf burning “produces particulate matter and hydrocarbons which contain a number of toxic, irritant, and carcinogenic (cancer causing) compounds.
Spread Some Holiday Cheer To Our Troops
Below is a partially edited message from Jim Kruse, who coordinates the collection and distribution of care packages to our troops each month. Jim is making a special request for our troops this holiday season:
Do you know what makes a perfect gift for our active military deployed overseas for the Holidays? Homemade cookies or fudge. Due to the problems this year I am reaching out to all of you that would like to make cookies or Fudge to send overseas. To get there before the holidays we need to include them in our November Care packages So if you want to contribute these items I need them before November 13th If they come in after that time, we will send them in our December boxes. However, I can’t guarantee they will get there before the holidays end. We would like them in small plastic containers or metal tins as we have limited space. Or in plastic bags which we will move to containers. Thanksgiving is coming and I know you will be baking goodies for the family. So why not include a batch for the men and women who stand on guard for us. There is a drop box in the lobby of City Hall.
Prayer Rally
There is a local prayer rally that will be held in front of the Hickory Hills Police Station on 10/31/2020 at noon. The event organizer said that all are invited to attend. The event will be held on the public right of way in front of the police station and is not a city sponsored event.
Amazing 14 Year Old
https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/18/us/anika-chebrolu-covid-treatment-award-scn-trnd/index.html
Smile at the Camera
https://twitter.com/i/status/1321198076250476545
Please enjoy Halloween, but be safe. At our house, we will be wearing masks and will place the candy on top of a plastic folding table so that children can simply grab the treat without contact and while we all keep a safe distance. I would strongly encourage you to avoid the traditional trick or treating exchange at the door. Certainly, if you still choose that method then please wear a mask and wash your hands regularly.
Stay safe!
Mayor Mike