November 24, 2020 Update from the Mayor
On Monday, Illinois officials announced 8,322 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 and 47 additional fatalities. Over the past week, the state has averaged 11,339 new cases per day, which is down from a week earlier, when cases were averaging was 12,384 day. In Hickory Hills there are now 649 confirmed cumulative cases of COVID and sadly, there were two more deaths last week related to COVID. Hickory Hills has now had 12 confirmed COVID related deaths with the age breakdown below:
I would urge everyone to remain very careful about unnecessary exposure to others over the upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday. As you may have heard, Canada celebrated its Thanksgiving on October 12. Six weeks after the holiday, Canada Public Health Agency reported that the country went from diagnosing about 2,000 cases per day in mid-October to an average of 4,776 cases daily in the past week. For that reason, I am reposting the CDC recommendations for Thanksgiving below.
For what it is worth, our family will be celebrating an early Thanksgiving meal outside. We plan to set up tables in the backyard for each of the 2 separate families of 4 who will be attending. No one will be allowed in the house except to use the bathroom. Fortunately, both of my brothers in law and their families have been carefully following public health guidelines so we were all in agreement on the plan.
CDC Recommendations for Thanksgiving
Traditional Thanksgiving gatherings with family and friends are fun but can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu. Follow these tips to make your Thanksgiving holiday safer.
The safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year is to celebrate with people in your household. If you do plan to spend Thanksgiving with people outside your household, take steps to make your celebration safer.
In addition to following the steps that everyone can take to make Thanksgiving safer, take these additional steps while attending a Thanksgiving gathering.
- Bring your own food, drinks, plates, cups, and utensils.
- Wear a mask, and safely store your mask while eating and drinking.
- Avoid going in and out of the areas where food is being prepared or handled, such as in the kitchen.
- Use single-use options, like salad dressing and condiment packets, and disposable items like food containers, plates, and utensils.
If having guests to your home, be sure that people follow the steps that everyone can take to make Thanksgiving safer. Other steps you can take include:
- Have a small outdoor meal with family and friends who live in your community.
- Limit the number of guests.
- Have conversations with guests ahead of time to set expectations for celebrating together.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items between use.
- If celebrating indoors, make sure to open windows.
- Limit the number of people in food preparation areas.
- Have guests bring their own food and drink.
- If sharing food, have one person serve food and use single-use options, like plastic utensils.
Consider Other Thanksgiving Activities such as hosting a virtual Thanksgiving meal with friends and family who don’t live with you. Schedule a time to share a meal together virtually.
Last Chance to Register For the Lights of Hickory Hills Annual Event December 1st at 6:30 p.m.
While many community events have been cancelled due to COVID, the City’s Lights of Hickory Holiday Celebration will still take place, but with socially distanced measures and safeguards. Our amazing Community Affairs Committee Volunteers have modified the tree lighting event into a Drive-In Tree Lighting Ceremony to help families get into the holiday spirit. On December 1st at 6:30, the City Hall Park will be transformed into a dazzling display of lights. Little ones that have been good this year can also expect a treat from a special guest. This free community event, for all ages, will be viewed from the comfort and safety of your vehicles. No worries about the weather, you will stay warm and dry in your car. There are a limited number of spots so pre-registration is required by calling City Hall at 598-4800.
Cook County Board Waives Penalty Fees for Late Property Tax Payments
The Cook County Board of Commissioners today voted to waive late fees for two months on both property tax installments due in 2021, giving cash-strapped property owners more time to juggle their finances, Treasurer Maria Pappas said.
The Board unanimously waived for two months the 1.5 percent per month late fee on all Tax Year 2020 property taxes, according to a news release. Specifically:
• The First Installment of 2020 taxes is due March 2, 2021, with application of late charges moved back to May 3, 2021.
• The Second Installment of 2020 taxes is due August 2, 2021, with application of late charges moved back to October 1, 2021
Please use your websites and social media to inform your constituents. A copy of release is attached and posted here.
Thanksgiving Protest Planned
Moose on the Loose
Happy Thanksgiving!
Mayor Mike