DuPage County COVID-19 update

April 2020 newsletter for DuPage County Board District 6

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Message from the County Board Chairman

Chairman Dan Cronin

Dear Residents,

Our world has significantly changed over the last few months. DuPage County has acted quickly and decisively on several fronts to combat the spread of COVID-19 while preserving the operations of essential County business. Like everyone, we have transformed operations rapidly, shifting to remote work, split shifts and employing appropriate public health recommendations.

We have also provided essential assistance to non-profits, small businesses, municipalities and healthcare providers who join us in meeting the unique needs of our residents during this unprecedented public health response.

We all have a role to play. We’re asking everyone to continue to observe the health guidelines that are now part of our everyday lives: Stay home if you’re sick, wash your hands, practice social distancing and respiratory etiquette by covering coughs and sneezes. We can each do our part to help our friends and neighbors stay safe and stay healthy.

Be well,

Dan Cronin


Resources for Residents

For information on the COVID-19 outbreak and the response from the DuPage County Health Department, DuPage County and the State of Illinois, visit www.dupageco.org and click on DuPage County COVID-19 Response.

The Health Department recently launched an interactive COVID-19 case map. The dashboard links data from the DuPage County Health Department into the GIS Data Systems from DuPage County to provide a greater level of understanding into how COVID-19 is unfolding across our communities. To view the case map, visit covid19-dupage.hub.arcgis.com.

DuPage County residents and healthcare professionals with concerns about exposure or specific symptoms are encouraged to call the DCHD Communicable Disease and Epidemiology (CDE) program at (630) 221-7553 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or (630) 682-7400 after hours.

If you are experiencing emotional distress or are in need of emotional support, you can all call the Health Department’s Behavioral Health Crisis Hotline, (630) 627-1700, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

The DuPage County Health Department is also posting updates on their website, www.dupagehealth.org/590/Coronavirus-Information.

On March 18, the state launched a news COVID-19 website, coronavirus.illinois.gov. The website will feature news and announcements from the Governor’s Office, prevention tips, FAQs, resources, and information about coronavirus. If you want to learn more about COVID-19, you can call the Illinois Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 Hotline at (800) 889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The hotline does not make decisions about who should be tested for COVID-19.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has put together a free website to dispel rumors about COVID-19. The purpose of this FEMA page is to help the public distinguish between rumors and facts regarding the response to coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The information can be found at www.fema.gov/coronavirus-rumor-control.


Updates to DuPage County Services

DuPage County is committed to serving its residents to the greatest extent possible, especially during times of crisis. Basic County services are continuing. Some services may be cancelled, modified or delayed during the COVID-19 response based on CDC and health department guidance.

DuPage County 18th Judicial Circuit Court
Limited court operations. Afternoon Bond Court will be held in Courtroom 1000 in the DuPage County Jail at 4 p.m. For a complete list of court closures, cancellations, delays and appropriate contact information, visit www.dupageco.org/courts. For questions about civil cases, call (630) 407-8700. For questions about criminal or traffic cases, call (630) 407-8600. To pay tickets online, visit epay.18thjudicial.org.

DuPage County Clerk
No walk-in customers. All meetings will be by appointment only. Suspended passport applications until further notice. License applications, record requests and submittals may be made by calling (630) 407-5500, emailing countyclerk@dupageco.org, mailing to P.O. Box 1028, Wheaton, IL 60187 or visiting www.dupageco.org/countyclerk.

DuPage County Community Services
All home visits and in-person interviews cancelled. All intakes, interviews and appointments are being handled via phone wherever possible. Call (630) 407-6500 or email csprograms@dupageco.org for further information on specific programs or services. Information on community-based resources is available at www.dupagecris.org.

DuPage County Public Works
Woodridge and Wheaton locations closed to the public until further notice. Late fee penalties and water disconnections are suspended until further notice. To pay a bill, use the drop box located at 7900 S. Route 53, Woodridge, IL 60517, call (855) 748-8523 or visit www.dupageco.org/publicworks.

DuPage County Treasurer’s Office
No walk-in customers. Meetings will be held by appointment only. Tax pre-payments should be sent via mail to 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187. To contact the office, call (630) 407- 5900, email propertytaxadvocate@dupageco.org or visit www.dupageco.org/treasurer.

workNet DuPage Career Center
Closed to the public. One-on-one appointments are being held primarily via phone and in person when necessary. All workshops, job clubs and other group meetings have been cancelled indefinitely. For additional information, call (630) 955-2030 or visit www.worknetdupage.org. For assistance with unemployment claims, contact the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) by phone at (800) 244-5631 or visit www2.illinois.gov/ides.

To view a full list of changes, please visit www.dupageco.org/ServiceChanges. If you have any questions, please call DuPage County at (630) 407-6500 or visit www.dupageco.org.


Fill Out Your 2020 Census Form

Every household in DuPage County should have already received their invitation to participate in the 2020 U.S. Census. Census data is used to determine political representation in Congress, and to distribute billions in federal funds to local communities for services such as roads, bridges, healthcare, and other programs.

The Census is safe and easy to fill out. The data will provide an essential role in shaping the future of DuPage County. Complete the Census online by visiting 2020census.gov.


REAL ID Deadline Pushed to 2021

Due to circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the national emergency declaration, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is extending the REAL ID enforcement deadline beyond the current Oct. 1, 2020 deadline.

The federal government determined states would need additional time due to the federal, state, and local response to COVID-19. The new deadline for REAL ID enforcement is Oct. 1, 2021.

MEET DISTRICT 6

Meet District 6