Friday, November 13, 2020   |   View in browser

Evanston Issues Stay-at-Home Advisory to Combat Rapid Increase in COVID-19 Infections

EVANSTON, IL - As COVID-19 infections increase at alarming rates in Evanston and across the state, the City of Evanston’s Health & Human Services Department is advising all residents to slow the spread of COVID-19 by vigilantly following public health guidance and staying home except for essential activities.

On Thursday and Friday, Evanston reported 43 and 60 confirmed COVID-19 cases, respectively, the city’s largest daily numbers to date. Evanston’s seven-day positivity rate has increased to 5.57 percent, while in suburban Cook County the positivity rate is now more than 15 percent.

Evanston’s advisory is in alignment with the Cook County Department of Public Health and the State of Illinois. It will take effect on Monday, November 16 at 6 a.m., and will last at least 30 days.

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, all residents are advised to:

• Stay home as much as possible. Only go out for essential activities, such as school, work, grocery shopping, or visits to the pharmacy. Those who are able to work from home are encouraged to do so.
• Limit gatherings. Refrain from attending or hosting gatherings with those who do not live in your household. This includes Thanksgiving celebrations.
• Limit non-essential travel. As much as possible, do not engage in any non-essential travel, including vacations or trips to visit relatives or friends.  
• Practice proven preventive measures. Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth in public settings, maintain a distance of at least six feet from others, and wash hands thoroughly and often.

“Our collective actions can reduce the rate of infections, prevent our hospitals from being overwhelmed, and, ultimately, save lives,” Evanston Health & Human Services Director Ike Ogbo said. “We are asking residents to take these necessary actions today to prevent more restrictive mitigation measures in the future.”

Though Evanston community centers remain open, residents are encouraged to complete City business online, to the extent possible. Parks and Recreation camp programs will continue for the time being.

For more information, visit cityofevanston.org/covid19 or call/text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents may simply dial 311 in Evanston.

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