Coronavirus
We will get through this together.
We have all sacrificed to help stop the spread. Now is NOT the time to let our guard down. Wearing masks and practicing social distancing will be the new normal for a while. We can handle that! For updated COVID-19 information, please visit the websites below.
Modified Illinois "Stay-At-Home" order through May 30
Governor Pritzker has extended the "Stay-At-Home" order until May 30. The order includes a number of modifications to the previous order, including requiring the use of face coverings for all people over two years of age in public indoor spaces and anywhere the six-foot social distancing order cannot be maintained.
New changes to COVID-19 test site at 6959 Forest Preserve Drive in Harwood Heights
The state-run, drive-through test site has broadened testing eligibility. Testing is now available for anyone over 18 with symptoms, first responders, healthcare workers, and people over 65 who have underlying health conditions. While the hours are 9:00-5:00, the facility currently reaches capacity early. Bring identification. Family members are not eligible.
Testing at Rush Oak Park Hospital, 520 S. Maple
Drive-through testing is available for anyone with symptoms who has an appointment.
If you have symptoms and need the test, you can get it for no charge
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.
The Families First Act also provides for two weeks of paid sick leave as well as many other family-friendly provisions.
Want to make your own face covering?
With the new CDC guidelines suggesting we wear face coverings, particularly when we are in situations that make it difficult to maintain six feet of social distancing, many people are wondering how to make them.
The CDC has provided some simple patterns for those who want to sew their own face covering and for those who would like to make a face covering without sewing.
The CDC cautions not to be over-confident wearing a face covering as it will not prevent you from getting COVID-19, but it might help you from unintentionally passing it to someone else.
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,
Forest Preserve District UPDATES
It's a great time to take a walk--if you practice social distancing.
Know before you go!
Spring is a time of year Chicagoans spend long, chilly nights dreaming about, and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County works diligently so that you can enjoy its 70,000 acres.
So while we encourage you to explore the outdoors, please review the following reminders.
- All structures and bathrooms are closed, and all public and permitted events have been cancelled through May 31.
- The parking lots currently closed in/near the 9th district are at Caldwell Woods (seven days/week) and at Catherine Chevalier Woods, LaBagh Woods, and Bunker Hill on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Be respectful and do not park illegally in the neighborhoods surrounding the closed parking lot areas.
- Off-leash dog areas are closed until further notice.
- All social distancing requirements apply. Wear or bring a mask as it is likely you will find yourself unable to maintain a six-foot distance.
- If you witness people congregating or 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.
THE CENSUS WILL NOT JUST GO AWAY
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.
Federal funding from your census responses goes toward supporting the heroes in our community for the decade ahead with the critical supplies and resources for public clinics, first-responders, and hospitals need to keep Cook County safe.
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.