Coronavirus
We have gotten this far . . .
We have all sacrificed to help stop the spread and flatten the curve. With the gradual reopening, our numbers are understandably creeping up. Now is NOT the time to let our guard down. Wearing masks and practicing social distancing is still required. We can handle that, and we must if we want to see Phase 5. For updated COVID-19 information, please visit the websites below.
Illinois Phase 4 Guidelines
Governor Pritzker has authorized Illinois to begin following Phase 4 Guidelines. Health and fitness providers, day camps, film production, museums, and others are among the industries with new guidelines.
Some of the minimum guidelines that are uniform across all businesses, industries, and nonprofits within the state include:
- All employees who can work from home should continue to do so.
- Continue to wear face coverings that cover nose and mouth.
- Social distance of at least 6 feet should be maintained between non-household individuals.
- All employees must complete health and safety training.
- All employers must provide a wellness screening upon entry into the workplace and mid-shift screenings when applicable.
- Employers are to limit elevator capacity to allow for 6-feet of distance.
City of Chicago Phase 4 Guidelines
Widespread testing is available--at no cost to you
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides for free COVID-19 testing and related office visits for those who need it, including reimbursement for the uninsured. There are a number of requirements so check with your provider for details.
Want to make your own face covering?
The CDC has provided some simple patterns for those who want to make their own cloth face covering. Make sure you wash your hands after removing your face covering, and wash your covering after each use.
New Cook County Community Recovery Fund
Cook County’s Bureau of Economic Development has launched The Community Recovery Fund as part of the Community Recovery Initiative. This loan fund offers one-time, zero-interest loans of up to $20,000 for small businesses and $10,000 for independent contractors in suburban Cook County. Loans will be administered by the Chicago Community Loan Fund and provided by a network of community lenders.
To apply, businesses and independent contractors in suburban Cook County must meet these requirements:
- Small Businesses
- Fewer than 25 employees
- Less than $3 million in revenue
- Gig Workers
- At least half of income from 1099 contract work
- Less than $100,000 in gross annual income
To learn more about the initiative and sign up for updates for when the application period opens,
THE CENSUS WILL NOT JUST GO AWAY
The LGBTQ+ community has been historically undercounted . Show your #Pride and take the Census now!
The Census Bureau will persist in its efforts to get everyone counted. That means you. The census does not care about citizenship. It is just a headcount to determine how to distribute $675 billion.
Forest Preserve District: Phase 4 Updates
Restrictions at the forest preserves ease up AFTER the July 4th weekend
The Phase 4 guidelines at the Forest Preserve District of Cook County are many and varied. It is best to identify your area of interest and check the forest preserve map below indicating what is open and when. Note especially the parking availability and capacity limits.
Here are a few key updates:
- All public bathrooms are closed until July 8; a limited number of bathrooms will be open starting on July 9. Please plan and time your visit accordingly.
- Gatherings are limited to 25 people or fewer. Starting July 6, gatherings of 25 to 50 people (with physical distancing) will be allowed with an existing permit.
- No new permits will be issued for events in July 2020. To book permits for event dates from August 1 – December 31, please call 800-870-3666 (option 1) or email fpd.permits@cookcountyil.gov.
- Bring your own food and water.
- Group sports are allowed. Sports leagues or groups with 25 to 50 people require a permit.
- Picnic tables are available for use starting July 6.
- Grills and coolers are allowed starting July 9.
- Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course and boat rentals are open with restrictions and limited capacity.
- Aquatic Centers will not open in 2020.
Reminders:
- All social distancing requirements apply. Wear a cloth mask.
- Do not visit the forest preserves if you are sick or experiencing symptoms, or if you have been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last two weeks.
- Carry and use hand sanitizer if you touch handrails or other surfaces.
- If you witness people not observing social distancing guidelines, please call the forest preserve non-emergency number: 708-771-1000.
- Stay at home if you are sick or experiencing symptoms.
Brookfield Zoo is back!
Brookfield Zoo begins a limited reopening (all indoor spaces remain closed) with new guidelines, including reserved timed entry and parking. No tickets will be sold on site. Food, beverage, and gift shop transactions must be via credit/debit card.
For members only: July 1-7
For all: Beginning July 8
Reserve your time now
Everything you need to know about Cook County
My door is always open . . .
Cook County is responsible for providing essential services in the areas of public safety, public health, the court system, elections, tax assessment and appeals, recording deeds, and managing forest preserves. As an independent-minded member of the Board, I have worked hard to combine fiscal responsibility with social awareness. I am honored to serve the people of the 9th district, which includes: portions of the far northwest side of Chicago; Park Ridge, River Forest, Elmwood Park, Harwood Heights, Mount Prospect, Norridge, River Grove, Rosemont, and Schiller Park; portions of Arlington Heights, Melrose Park, Morton Grove, Niles, and Prospect Heights; and unincorporated Norwood Park, Maine, and Wheeling Townships.
Cook County government is here for you
Click below for a complete list of:
- Resident services
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Voter Information & Registration
Suburban Residents
Click the button below to be directed to the Cook County Clerks website for information on voter registration, your elected officials, working on election day, and more.
Chicago Residents
Click the button below to be directed to the Chicago Board of Elections website detailing information on voter registration, early voting, and more.