Thursday, May 28, 2020 | View in browser
Good evening,
Read below for information about the next phase of the state's recovery plan, updates to food programs and parking, the status of Evanston beaches, and more.
As a reminder, you can find the latest Evanston-specific COVID-19 updates on the City's website.
 Evanston moves to Phase 3 of 'Restore Illinois' Recovery Plan on Friday
Additional businesses will be allowed to reopen while following strict public health guidelines on Fri., May 29 as Illinois and Evanston progress to Phase 3 of Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Restore Illinois recovery plan.
Public health guidelines: Starting Friday, non-essential gatherings of 10 people or fewer will be permitted; however, it's critical that we all continue to take preventive actions to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including washing hands frequently for at least 20 seconds, practicing strict physical distancing when in public, and wearing a cloth face covering when a six-foot distance from others is difficult to maintain.
Businesses reopening: Retail, personal care services, and restaurants (outdoor dining only) are a few of the businesses that will be permitted to reopen while following strict health and safety guidelines established by IDPH and the City’s Health and Human Services Department.
 Food programs continue throughout summer
Youth and community food programs will continue throughout the summer, with some schedule modifications, to support residents facing economic hardship and food insecurity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Emergency Food Pantry: The City will continue to partner with Northwestern University to provide the Emergency Food Pantry at James Park. In order to extend the program beyond the initial eight weeks of planned operations, the pantry will operate every other Wednesday (twice monthly), from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The next pantry will be Wed., June 10. Donate to support the pantry.
Youth Food Distribution: The City will continue to partner with School Districts 65 and 202 to provide free cold breakfasts and lunches to youth ages 1 to 18 on Mondays, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., through the month of June. This program will transition to the Summer Youth Food Program on July 6. More information.
 Parking enforcement will resume June 1
As the City and State make progress towards a safe recovery, parking enforcement operations will resume on June 1 after being suspended during the statewide Stay at Home Order. To help inform residents, only warning citations for non-safety related violations will be issued through June 7; fines for these violations will be issued beginning June 8.
Street cleaning: Street cleaning will continue in June, but only warning citations will be issued through June 28. Fines will be issued for street cleaning parking violations beginning June 29.
Temporary free parking spaces: Posted signage designating temporary free parking spaces to facilitate pick-up at local restaurants and retail establishments will be honored through the month of June.
 Evanston beaches closed to swimming
The City’s beaches remain closed to swimming at this time. Beaches are tentatively scheduled to reopen to swimming in July.
Boating: The Church Street Boat Ramp is now open for public use and the Dempster Street Launch Facility will open on Mon., June 1. Permits are available but equipment rentals are not.
Restrooms: Lakefront restroom facilities will open on Mon., June 1 and will be available from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Restrooms will be cleaned every two hours per Health Department guidelines.
More news and events
Independence Day activities canceled
To help ensure the safety of Evanston residents, the Evanston Fourth of July Association has canceled Independence Day activities, including playground activities, fun run, parade, live concert and fireworks. The association is working to plan an alternative celebration.
Evanston summer camp update
Evanston summer camp programs are anticipated to open in a significantly reduced capacity on Mon., July 6, in accordance with IDPH guidelines. Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department staff will be reaching out to those who have registered to communicate updates related to each specific camp program. More recreation updates.
Yard Sale Permits will not be issued
Due to COVID-19, the City will not be issuing Yard Sale Permits until further notice. This means no yard sales are approved at this time.
Join the Library's Summer Reading Program
Summer is on the way and that means the Evanston Public Library's Summer Reading Program is ready to engage readers across Evanston. Participants of all ages can earn prizes, meet reading goals, and dig deeper into the vast world of knowledge -- all for free. Registration begins June 1.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
Task Force Spotlight
 Click image to play video
Nonprofit Sector
This week's Task Force Spotlight highlights the Nonprofit sector of the Mayor's COVID-19 Task Force. Watch as Monique Brunson Jones of the Evanston Community Foundation describes the nonprofit community's critical and timely response to COVID-19.
That’s it for this week's e-news! See you in Phase 3.
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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