Thursday, September 17, 2020 | View in browser
Good afternoon!
Read below for information about Bike the Ridge, new pedal-assist ebikes, community budget conversations, and more.
As a reminder, you can find the latest Evanston-specific COVID-19 updates on the City's website.
 Bike the Ridge on Sunday!
Pedal up and down Ridge Avenue, from Howard to Church Streets, as part of the annual Bike the Ridge event on Sun., Sept. 20, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy live music from the Evanston School of Rock, food trucks, and bike repairs at Ridgeville Park.
A simple ask, wear a mask: All participants are required to wear a face covering while riding their bikes and when social distancing cannot be maintained.
 Biking is easier than ever with pedal-assist ebikes
The City has partnered with Lyft to introduce new pedal-assist ebikes as part of the Divvy bike-share system in Evanston! Divvy ebikes make it easier for people of all riding abilities to ride by boosting riders’ own pedal power. These new ebikes can be found throughout the City at Divvy docking stations or locked at public bike racks.
Try it out! For a limited time, a $5 credit is available for up to 30 minutes of free ebike riding. View pricing details.
 The 2020 Census deadline is approaching
There are only two weeks left until the 2020 Census deadline! If you haven't yet completed the Census, don't wait. You won't get this chance again for another 10 years. Visit my2020census.gov to fill out your Census online or call 844-330-2020.
Census Shred: Complete your 2020 Census, register to vote, and bring documents to be securely shredded during an outdoor event in the parking lot of Erie Family Health Center on Thurs., Sept. 24, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Community members can enter the drop-off line from northbound Hartrey Avenue south of Dempster Street. View event map.
Coronavirus update
Situation Report
Below, you’ll find the latest COVID-19 data from the City’s Health and Human Services Department. Visit the City’s interactive COVID-19 dashboard (view on mobile) for information and metrics updated daily.
Confirmed daily cases
 Evanston’s seven-day moving average of confirmed daily cases increased to 5.71 new cases per day over the last seven-day operational period, compared to 3.71 new cases per day for the week prior. This increase is not surprising, as the number of tests performed has grown this month due to the State’s three-day mobile testing event at ETHS last week and the return of a portion of Northwestern students to campus.
Eleven new COVID-19 cases were reported today in Evanston. To date, Evanston has had 1,075 confirmed COVID-19 cases, and 73 residents have died of illness or complications related to COVID-19.
Testing increases, hospital admissions stable
Testing in Evanston continues to increase each month, and the City is on track to surpass its August total.
The City’s seven-day moving average daily test positivity rate (the percentage of those tested who tested positive for COVID-19 over a seven-day period) increased slightly to 1.67 percent, compared to 1.31 percent for the previous seven days. The statewide seven-day test positivity rate stands at 3.6 percent. COVID-19 hospital admissions continue to be stable.
As a reminder, residents can access free testing daily at the State's COVID-19 community-based testing sites, including the nearest Harwood Heights and Arlington Heights locations.
Have you had your flu shot?
 Earlier today, the City partnered with Walgreens to host its first flu vaccination event at James Park. Nearly 300 residents received a flu shot at no out-of-pocket cost.
Getting your flu shot is more important than ever this year. With COVID-19 still present, reducing flu illnesses will help conserve scarce medical resources and reduce hospitalizations. Stay tuned for more information about future flu vaccination events in Evanston.
Northwestern University Return to Campus FAQs
As Northwestern continues its phased return to campus, the University compiled a list of frequently asked questions regarding health guidelines, testing, expectations for safe behavior, and more. The City’s Health and Human Services Department will continue to work closely with Northwestern to protect the health and safety of students, faculty, staff and the larger Evanston community.
Welcome, new contact tracers!
 This week, seven new case investigators joined the City’s Health and Human Services Department to support contact tracing efforts. Contact tracing is a critical public health measure that reduces the spread of COVID-19 by reaching out to individuals who may have contracted or been exposed to the virus, and providing education and instructions for quarantining and monitoring symptoms. The hiring of these new staff was supported by state and federal grants obtained by the City.
The City’s Health and Human Services Department and Medical Reserve Corps volunteers have been working tirelessly to conduct contact tracing since the beginning of the pandemic, helping keep our case count low.
Reminder: Wear a face covering in common areas
 Do you live in an apartment building or condo? Help keep your neighbors safe and healthy by wearing a face covering in common areas, such as lobbies and elevators.
As a reminder, face coverings are required in all public settings, both indoors and outdoors, when a distance of six feet or more from others can’t be maintained. Thank you for doing your part.
More news and events
Evanston adopts Environmental Justice Resolution
On Monday, City Council voted to adopt a resolution supporting environmental justice in Evanston, acknowledging the harm that communities of color have experienced due to environmental injustices and outlining specific, corrective actions the City will take to support and protect the health and well-being of all residents.
Bulk trash pickup begins on Friday
Take advantage of the free removal of up to six cubic yards of bulk garbage this fall as part of the City's Bulk Trash Pickup program. Fall 2020 bulk trash pickups will take place on Fridays, Sept. 18 through Oct. 9, and are scheduled according to residents' normal refuse pickup day.
Harley Clarke Mansion proposal presentations
Submitted proposals for the Harley Clarke Mansion and Coach House will be presented at a Special City Council Meeting on Mon., Sept. 21, at 6 p.m. The virtual meeting will be broadcast live on Channel 16 and on the City's YouTube channel.
Get involved in the City's FY2021 Budget process
Don't miss your opportunity to provide feedback on the City's FY2021 Budget! The final community budget conversations will take place via Zoom on Mon., Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. (English) and on Thurs., Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. (Spanish). Input gathered at the meetings will be compiled and provided to City Council as part of the City's Proposed Budget.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
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FAN Webinar: Riding the Crisis Roller Coaster, Positioning Yourself Emotionally Amidst Volatility, 9/17
- Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market, 9/19
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Producemobile, 9/22
- FAN Webinar: A Knock at Midnight, A story of Hope, Justice, and Freedom, 9/24
- Disco in the Park, 9/25
- Starlight Movies in the Park: "Yesterday," 9/26
 As a part of our Evanstrong campaign, we've compiled a few awesome pictures of Evanston so you can show your Evanston pride while working remotely. Change out your virtual background the next time you're on a Zoom call using one of our images. Submit your own high-res photos of Evanston to be included in our image gallery by emailing communications@cityofevanston.org.
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading.
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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