 
Thursday, November 5, 2020 | View in browser
Good evening!
Read below for information about outdoor activities this weekend, pumpkin composting, Evanston improvement projects, and more!
As a reminder, you can find the latest Evanston-specific COVID-19 updates on the City's website.
 Colorful early morning sky at the Farmers' Market.
Get out and enjoy safe outdoor activities!
Take advantage of the beautiful fall weather by spending time outside!
Movie in the park: Head to Twiggs Park this Sat., Nov. 7 to enjoy the season's final Starlight Movie, Moana! The movie will begin at dusk (around 5 p.m.) and will be canceled in the event of inclement weather. Bring a face covering, blankets, chairs and snacks for a fun time!
Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market: Don't miss the final Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market of the season on Saturday morning. Join us at the corner of University Place and Oak Avenue, where approximately 60 vendors will be selling fruits, vegetables, baked goods and more.
Outdoor dining: Support our local Evanston restaurants by dining al fresco. Many restaurants still have outdoor seating, so why not let someone else do the cooking for you? Remember to wear a face covering when interacting with staff.
 Goodbye, gourds
Rescue your Halloween pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns from withering on the front porch by dropping them off to be composted at the 5th annual “It's the Great Pumpkin Compost” Collection event this Sat., Nov. 7, 9 a.m. to noon, at the Morton Civic Center parking lot.
Did you know? Food waste, including plain, clean pumpkins, can also "ride along" in food and yard waste carts with grass clippings and leaves.
 Central Street Bridge at the North Shore Channel.
Improvement projects update
The City is making headway on several large capital improvement projects.
Central Street Bridge Replacement: Preparation and staging work for the replacement of the Central Street Bridge will begin next week, with main construction activities beginning in February 2021. Two-way traffic will be maintained on Central Street at all times.
Green Bay Road Improvements: The City has received $3.5 million in grant funds from the North Shore Council of Mayors for the engineering and construction phases of the Green Bay Road Improvement Project, with the goal of improving safety for all users.
Water Reservoir Project: The City is finishing work to replace a 5-million gallon water reservoir at Lincoln Street and North Campus Drive, which will help improve the reliability of our water supply for over 480,000 customers in the region.
Sign up for construction alerts to receive notifications about projects throughout the City.
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. You can also view IDPH Restore Illinois indicators for Region 10, which includes Evanston.
Confirmed daily cases continue to increase
 Evanston’s seven-day moving average of confirmed daily cases increased to 19.57 new cases per day, compared to 14.71 new cases per day for the week prior. Thirty new COVID-19 cases were reported today in Evanston, the highest number of daily cases reported to date. Evanston has had 1,588 total confirmed cases, and 76 residents have died of illness or complications related to COVID-19.
Coronavirus infections continue to rise statewide and across the country. The seven-day average of new cases per 100,000 residents has risen in Evanston (186.46), Chicago (342.43), Skokie (266.35), Cook County (338), and Illinois (410.62). Today, Illinois reported 9,935 new COVID-19 cases – the highest daily total to date.
Testing and hospitalizations
The City’s seven-day moving average test positivity rate increased to 3.3 percent, compared to 2.7 percent for the previous seven days. Although Evanston’s rate continues to rise, it remains significantly lower than the State (9.1 percent) and County (11.9 percent) seven-day test positivity rates. COVID-19 hospital admissions continue to increase.
As a reminder, residents can continue to access free testing daily at the State's COVID-19 community-based testing sites, including the nearest Harwood Heights and Arlington Heights locations.
Who’s “Behind the Mask?”
 The Evanston Students Behind the Mask Challenge is raising awareness about the importance of wearing face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This week, we’re highlighting ETHS Junior Linnea Mayo, who explains her “behind the mask” routine.
Be like Linnea! Remember to wear a face covering over your nose and mouth in all public settings (indoors and outdoors) when social distancing is not practical. Together, we can slow the spread of COVID-19 and save lives.
Celebrate Thanksgiving safely
 Thanksgiving is just three weeks away. As you make plans for a safe holiday, review CDC and IDPH guidelines for holiday celebrations.
Social gatherings provide COVID-19 with ample opportunities to spread. With cases rising here and across the country, please continue to follow public health guidance to keep your loved ones safe. General considerations include:
- Limit the number of guests to allow for social distancing
- To the extent possible, consider hosting festivities outdoors, as weather permits
- Small, indoor gatherings should maintain six feet of distance between guests before, during, and after the meal
- Encourage guests to wear face coverings, except when eating and drinking
- Consider single-use disposable utensils and dishware for serving and eating meals
- Wash and disinfect guest areas before and after holiday gatherings.
As a reminder, people who are infected but do not show symptoms can also spread the virus to others.
Updated sports guidance
Stay active and stay safe. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has provided updated guidelines for youth and adult recreational sports (pdf).
Resident cash assistance program
The Cook County COVID-19 Recovery Resident Cash Assistance program offers a one-time cash payment of $600 to income-eligible suburban Cook County residents who’ve been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The application deadline is this Fri., Nov. 6.
More news and events
Refuse collections to occur as normal next week
City services and refuse collections will operate as normal on Veterans Day, Wed., Nov. 11.
It's time to play Lockdown Monopoly!
Make purchases in person or online at local businesses along the Main-Dempster Mile between now and Small Business Saturday to win prizes! Download a game board and save your receipts to be turned in at a designated location on November 28.
Interested in becoming an Evanston firefighter?
Good news! The Evanston Fire Department has extended the application deadline for its first-ever public service apprenticeship program, in partnership with Oakton Community College. The program offers a unique opportunity for Evanston residents to prepare for a career in fire services tuition-free. Apply by Wed., Nov. 18.
Register your pet by December 31
Dog and cat owners: Submit your 2021 pet registration by Thurs., Dec. 31 conveniently online. Pet registration forms were mailed out in late October and can also be returned by mail using the provided envelope.
Reminder: Additional fall street cleaning
The City is conducting additional street cleaning on residential streets to clear leaves and other debris throughout November and December. Street signage has been updated and parking restrictions will be enforced.
Vote for Luke Stowe!
Luke Stowe, chief information officer for the City of Evanston, was recently nominated for Local IT Leader of the Year by StateScoop! Show your support by voting for him. Go, Evanston!
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
Calling all young artists!
 2019 winning card design
Mayor Hagerty is seeking a talented, local artist to design his digital holiday card again this year! Young Evanston artists in grades K-12 are invited to submit their artwork. Mayor Hagerty will review the designs personally and select one winner. Check out the contest rules and find out how to submit a design.
That’s it for today's e-news. Have a safe weekend!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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