 
Thursday, November 19, 2020 | View in browser
Good evening,
Read below for Thanksgiving and winter weather reminders, information about Mayor Hagerty's Holiday Card Contest, 101 great books for kids, an Evanston student's record-breaking achievement, and more.
As a reminder, you can find the latest Evanston-specific COVID-19 updates on the City's website.
 Celebrate Thanksgiving safely
As COVID-19 cases surge to record levels, the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving is with members of your own household. Gatherings with family and friends who do not live with you increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19. Consider the protection of your family and friends this year so that everyone is here to celebrate next year.
Holiday service changes: The City has announced holiday service changes and facility closures for Thanksgiving. No refuse collections will occur on Thurs., Nov. 26. Thursday's trash, food and yard waste and recycling collections will occur on Fri., Nov. 27. Friday condo trash and recycling collections will occur on Sat., Nov. 28.
Support local businesses: Take advantage of Thanksgiving specials being offered by Evanston restaurants this year, ranging from traditional meals to soul food to pastries. Check out these holiday dining guides:
 What to know when it snows
It's Winter Weather Preparedness Week! Make sure you're ready for the next snowfall by reviewing these helpful winter reminders. (Watch video in Spanish.)
Stay informed: Parking restrictions can be declared following accumulated snowfall. Sign up for convenient text message or email alerts and we'll notify you when it's time to move your vehicle.
Shoveling: Be a good neighbor and clear a path at least 36 inches wide. Property owners and occupants are required to clear sidewalks within 24 hours after any accumulation of snow or ice. Need help? The City's Snow Shoveling Program connects volunteers with seniors and those with disabilities in need of assistance.
Trash pickup: Clear snow from around trash and recycling containers to allow crews to access them.
 Calling all young artists!
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 by Sun., Nov. 29. Mayor Hagerty will review the designs personally and select one winner. Check out the contest rules and find out how to submit a design.
 Compost this winter through Collective Resource
Sign up for the Winter Gap Composting Program provided by Collective Resource Compost, the City’s exclusive food scrap hauler. This 16-week program allows you to pay a one-time fee to have a composting bucket dropped off at your residence for weekly or bi-weekly pickup.
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.
Tier 3 Resurgence Mitigations Go Into Effect Friday
To combat a surge in COVID-19 infections, Governor J.B. Pritzker and the IDPH announced Tier 3 Resurgence Mitigations statewide effective 12:01 a.m. on Friday, November 20.
Although the mitigations do not include a Stay-at-Home Order, residents are urged to limit gatherings and stay home as much as possible. Tier 3 measures include reducing capacity to 25 percent at retail businesses, personal care establishments and health and fitness centers and 50 percent at grocery stores and pharmacies, pausing indoor group recreational activities, and limiting in-home gatherings to household members only. In addition, individuals are now required to wear a face covering at all times while at health and fitness centers, including while actively exercising. See all Tier 3 Mitigations.
Confirmed daily cases continue to rise
 Evanston’s seven-day moving average of confirmed daily cases increased to 35.14 new cases per day this week compared to 25.29 for the week prior. Forty-six new COVID-19 cases were reported today. Evanston has had 2,027 total confirmed cases to date, and 84 residents have died of illness or complications related to COVID-19.
Coronavirus infections continue to surge statewide and across the country. The seven-day average of new cases per 100,000 residents has risen in Evanston (334.82), Skokie (612.44), Chicago (579.74), Cook County (629), and Illinois (669.52).
Testing and hospitalizations
The City’s seven-day moving average positivity rate increased significantly to 5.49 percent, compared to 3.85 percent for the previous seven days. Although the positivity rate in Evanston is rising, it remains lower than the state (12 percent) and county (16.5 percent). COVID-19 hospital admissions continue to increase.
As a reminder, you can access free testing daily at the State's COVID-19 community-based testing sites, including the nearest Harwood Heights and Arlington Heights locations.
Mental health is essential
 How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your well-being? Mayor Hagerty’s COVID-19 Mental Health Task Force is conducting a short survey to better understand how residents are handling the COVID-19 crisis in Evanston. Your response to this confidential survey will help the task force support the community’s needs.
Take survey in English
Take survey in Spanish
Who’s “Behind the Mask?”
 (Clockwise from top left: Artwork by Shayla, Payton, YoDonna, Solei, Brielle, and Jeff.)
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 mask designs created by Evanston students at Family Focus.
More news and events
101 Great Books for Kids
Stay home and read! The Evanston Public Library has compiled a list of 101 Great Books for Kids.
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 is now open. Comments can be submitted live at the meeting or by email at cdbg@cityofevanston.org.
Apply to be a COVID-19 Support Team Representative
As COVID-19 hospital admissions increase, NorthShore University HealthSystem is hiring staff support technicians.
Take advantage of available career services
Have you or your family been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic? The North Suburban Cook County American Job Center offers services that can connect you with opportunities in a variety of careers.
Amnesty Gun Buyback Event, December 5
An amnesty gun buyback event will be held at Christ Temple Missionary Baptist Church, 1711 Simpson St., on Sat., Dec. 5, from noon to 4 p.m. $100 per gun will be provided. This is an amnesty-based program; there will be no arrests.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
Evanston teen breaks birding record
 Click image to watch video
Congratulations to Evanston Township High School Senior Isoo O'Brien for breaking Cook County's birding record with 282 species seen in 2020. Way to go, Isoo!
That’s it for today's e-news. Have a safe weekend!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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