Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020 | View in browser
Good evening,
Read below for information about community holiday celebrations, business district events, upcoming winter break camps, and more.
As a reminder, you can find the latest Evanston-specific COVID-19 updates on the City's website.
Safe ways to celebrate this holiday season
Santa on wheels: This Saturday, from noon to 3 p.m., Santa will travel throughout the city by fire truck and make short, five-minute stops in all of Evanston’s nine wards to spread some holiday cheer! Wave to Santa along the route or at any of the 18 designated Santa Stops.
Kwanzaa celebrations: Watch the unveiling of the newly commissioned outdoor Kwanzaa Display on Sat., Dec. 26 at 11 a.m. Then, enjoy a virtual Kwanzaa ceremony with music, spoken word and dance performances beginning around noon. Both events will be live streamed on Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre's Youtube channel and Facebook page.
Evanston Loves movie night: Bring your family out for a fun night at the Drive-In in Evanston this Sat., Dec. 19. Enjoy a holiday screening of "Home Alone" and order from the La Cocinita Food Truck!
Santa cleared to visit Evanston: Mayor Hagerty delivered some good news today: Santa's visit to Evanston has been deemed "essential business" by the City's COVID-19 Response Team. However, his visit comes with a few important conditions. Watch the Mayor's message.
Support our local business districts!
Main-Dempster Mile: Pick up gift bags, drop off charity goods, and take socially distant selfies with Santa and Bubbe at the MDM Holiday Drive-Through: 1,000 Feet of Awesome this Sat., Dec. 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Main Street station. Then, visit the great local businesses to get your last minute holiday shopping in.
Central Street: It's the last Thursday to shop before Christmas and many Central Street businesses are staying open until 7 p.m. for a Late Night Thursday event to give you extra time and space to shop. Afterwards, stop by a local restaurant to grab carry out!
Winter break is almost here...
The City's Parks and Recreation Department is offering a variety of winter break camp options! Check out available camps in our winter program guide and register today!
Holiday service schedule
The City has announced changes in service delivery and facility schedules in recognition of the Christmas and New Year's holidays.
Refuse collection: During the Christmas and New Year's holiday weeks, Monday through Thursday trash and recycling collections will occur as normal. Friday condo trash and recycling pickup will occur on Saturday.
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 remain high
Evanston’s seven-day moving average of confirmed daily cases increased to 27 new cases per day this week, compared to 24.86 for the week prior. Sixty-seven new COVID-19 cases were reported today in Evanston – the highest daily number to date. The city has had 2,846 total confirmed cases to date, and 91 residents have died of illness or complications related to COVID-19.
The seven-day average of new cases per 100,000 residents increased in Evanston (257.24), but remains below Skokie (456.14), Chicago (399.15), Cook County (494), and Illinois (399.15).
Testing and hospitalizations
The City’s seven-day moving average positivity rate decreased to 5.63 percent, compared to 6.47 percent for the previous seven days. The positivity rate in Evanston remains lower than the state (8.4 percent) and county (13.9 percent). Local COVID-19 hospital admissions remained steady over the last week.
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. Testing is also available at some CVS, Walgreens and Physicians Immediate Care locations. Call your primary care provider for inquiries about testing.
Vaccine Plan Update
The City has been working closely with federal, state and local public health partners, including AMITA Health and NorthShore University HealthSystem, to develop comprehensive plans for the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to the community. A limited supply of vaccines will be available initially beginning this week, with supplies expected to continually increase in the months ahead.
In accordance with state and federal guidance, initial vaccines will be prioritized for healthcare workers, especially those who treat COVID-19 patients directly, as well as paramedics and residents and staff of long-term care facilities. View the City’s vaccine distribution plan.
Questions? See the Illinois Department of Public Health's vaccine FAQs.
Support the Evanston Community Rapid Response Fund
Mayor Hagerty has partnered with the Evanston Community Foundation in their effort to raise $2 million in two months to assist Evanston families most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic who are struggling with housing, food insecurity and other unmet basic needs. We’re less than $200,000 away from reaching our goal! Donate now.
COVID-19 Q&A: Mental Health
Yesterday, Mayor Hagerty was joined by mental health experts for a Coronavirus Q&A to discuss resources and strategies available to help residents during the dark days of winter.
Your mental health is essential. View a list of mental health and other resources on the City’s COVID-19 Resources page.
Sign the COVID-19 Safety Promise
Spread the word, not the virus. Sign the NorthShore University HealthSystem safety promise and ask your friends and family to do the same. Together we can reduce the spread of COVID-19.
More news and events
City signs on to "America Is All In" Initiative
On December 12, the 5th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, the City and Mayor Hagerty joined the call for a national mobilization on climate action and clean recovery.
The track is open at Robert Crown!
The indoor track at the Robert Crown Community Center and Library is now taking reservations. Call 847-448-8258 to schedule a 50-minute time slot.
Need help shoveling?
Next Pop-up Food Pantry
As a complement to the existing pantries and to ensure food accessibility during COVID-19, the City is providing pop-up food pantries twice per month for those who qualify. The next pop-up pantry is on Wed., Dec. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon. Register by calling 847-448-8630.
Evanston Animal Shelter Pet Pantry
The Evanston Animal Shelter is offering free dog food, cat food, cat litter and miscellaneous pet items to those in need. Pick-ups are available Monday through Friday by appointment. Call 847-866-5082 today!
Submit an artifact for the 2020 time capsule
The Evanston History Center invites you to participate in Capturing History: Evanston 2020, a time capsule to be opened in 2031. Submit an artifact that represents this unique time in history.
Evanston named 8th most generous U.S. city
Get Engaged
Evanston spreads holiday cheer
Photo by Karie Angell Luc
More than 400 Evanston families received holiday food and gift baskets this week as part of Mayor Hagerty's Holiday Food, Book and Toy Drive! Thank you to all of those who contributed to this year's event.
That’s it for today's e-news. Be well and be safe!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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