 
Thursday, November 12, 2020 | View in browser
Good evening, Evanston.
Read below for information about Thanksgiving safety guidelines, holiday parking changes, and the Mayor's Holiday Food, Book and Toy Drive.
As a reminder, you can find the latest Evanston-specific COVID-19 updates on the City's website.
 Limit Thanksgiving gatherings this year
As COVID-19 infections surge, we're urging all residents to reduce the risk of spreading or contracting the virus this Thanksgiving by limiting in-person gatherings and following public health guidance. The safest way to celebrate the holiday this year is with people in your household.
Guidelines for those choosing to host a Thanksgiving gathering:
- Limit the number of guests. The more people who attend a gathering, the greater the chance that someone is carrying the virus.
- Require guests to wear face coverings.
- Maintain six feet of distance between guests at all times.
- Consider hosting festivities outdoors, as weather permits.
- Consider single-use disposable utensils and dishware for meals.
- Wash and disinfect guest areas before and after the gathering.
- Have conversations with guests ahead of time to set expectations.
 Parking changes for the holiday season
To make it easier to support local businesses this holiday season, the City is implementing changes to parking between November 16 and January 3.
What's new: Look for additional 15-minute free parking zones outside of designated businesses, and enjoy extended time limits for on-street and surface lot parking. Additionally, local businesses will distribute vouchers to customers providing two hours of free parking again this year.
Reminder: Parking is free on Sundays on streets and in surface lots. The first hour is always free in all City parking garages.
 Bring holiday joy to Evanston families in need
Help ensure every Evanston family gets to celebrate this holiday season by participating in the 12th annual Mayor's Holiday Food, Book and Toy Drive through Fri., Dec. 11.
What's being collected? New, unwrapped toys in addition to staple food items for holiday meals, including stuffing, green beans and corn bread mix. The City is also collecting new and gently used children's books.
Where can items be dropped off? Look for colorful donation bins at locations throughout the city, including Evanston community centers and the Main Evanston Public Library.
 Click image to watch video
America Recycles Day is November 15
Recycling is incredibly important because it helps reduce waste, greenhouse gas pollution and litter. It's easy to recycle in Evanston because all acceptable materials can go in one container!
Take our recycling quiz: Think you already know the ins and outs of recycling in Evanston? Take our quiz to test your knowledge.
Learn more: Check out our recycling page to watch educational videos and to learn the do's and don'ts of recycling in Evanston.
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 rise to highest level to date
 LTCF indicates long-term care facility.
Evanston’s seven-day moving average of confirmed daily cases increased to 25.29 new cases per day – the highest number since the pandemic began. A record 43 new COVID-19 cases were reported today. Evanston has had 1,778 total confirmed cases to date, and 80 residents have died of illness or complications related to COVID-19.
Coronavirus infections continue to spike statewide and across the country. The seven-day average of new cases per 100,000 residents has risen in Evanston (240.9), Skokie (483.25), Chicago (440.8), Cook County (338), and Illinois (642.2).
Testing and hospitalizations
The City’s seven-day moving average positivity rate increased to 3.85 percent, compared to 3.3 percent for the previous seven days. The positivity rate in Evanston is rising, but remains lower than the state (12.6 percent) and county (11.9 percent). COVID-19 hospital admissions have increased by approximately 40 percent at area hospitals in the last week.
COVID-19 testing event in Lincolnwood
Free COVID-19 testing is available at the Lincolnwood Town Center parking lot, 3333 W. Touhy Ave., today through Sun., Nov. 15, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All can be tested; no symptoms required. Walk-up and drive-up testing is available. Register in advance.
As a reminder, you can also access free testing daily at the State's COVID-19 community-based testing sites, including the nearest Harwood Heights and Arlington Heights locations.
How you can help: Stay home except for essential activities
 With cases surging statewide, the IDPH is encouraging everyone to stay home as much as possible over the next three weeks, and to only go out for essential errands and activities, such as grocery shopping and pharmacy visits. If you're able to work from home, you're encouraged to do so. When you do go out, please remember to keep your distance from others (six feet minimum) and wear a face covering to protect yourself and those around you. Your actions could save someone’s life.
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 a poem submitted by Evanston student Yolanda Garcia, who reminds everyone why it’s important to “mask up.” Thank you, Yolanda!
Make sure you
Always wear a mask in public.
So you can protect yourself, and the people around you.
Kind hearted and smart people wear masks!
Upwards and united we go,
Please don't forget, we are all in this together!
More news and events
Emergency Food Pantry, November 18
The City's next Emergency Food Pantry will take place on Wed., Nov. 18 at James Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or while supplies last. Evanston residents can pick up free, prepackaged boxes of food, including non-perishable items, produce and protein. Registration is required.
Enjoy a drive-in movie experience featuring 'Shrek'
Join Autobarn Evanston, Aquirent and The Davis Theater for a family-friendly drive-in movie and dinner event featuring Shrek on Fri., Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. This event benefits The Rotary Club of Evanston and The Rotary Club of Evanston Lighthouse. Purchase tickets today!
Interested in running for elected office?
View 2021 filing information for municipal candidates, including important dates and requirements. The Evanston Community Foundation's Public Service Challenge offers information and resources for those interested in running for elected office or joining a local campaign.
Submit a public comment for the Draft 2021 Action Plan
The City will hold a virtual meeting to hear comment on the draft 2021 Action Plan and revised Citizen Participation Plan on Tues., Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. The 30-day comment period opens on Mon., Nov. 16. Comments can be submitted live at the meeting or by email at cdbg@cityofevanston.org.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
Good gourd!
Approximately 8,000 pounds (four tons) of pumpkins were collected for composting at Saturday's "It's the Great Pumpkin Compost" collection event, including a mammoth 600-pound pumpkin from D&D Finer Foods. Way to go, Evanston!
As a reminder, plain, clean pumpkins can also be placed in your reusable food and yard waste care for collection and composting.
That’s it for today's e-news. Have a safe weekend!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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