 
Thursday, February 4, 2021 | View in browser
Good evening,
Read below for information about COVID-19 vaccine distribution, extended free parking options, cold weather tips, early voting, and more.
As a reminder, you can find the latest Evanston-specific COVID-19 updates on the City's website.
 The City continues to hold multiple closed vaccination events each week, prioritizing limited supplies for those most vulnerable to COVID-19.
COVID-19 Vaccination Update
To date, the City has distributed more than 8,900 vaccine doses to Evanston hospitals, healthcare workers, paramedics, first responders, and those most vulnerable to severe illness or complications from COVID-19.
The City will administer remaining vaccine doses on hand at closed vaccination events planned for tomorrow and next week for Phase 1a individuals and those 77 years or older.
FAQ: I’ve heard that some individuals 65 to 74 years old have already received the vaccine in other cities and states. Why haven’t I?
Currently, there are many more individuals eligible to receive the vaccine than there are doses available. This is a nationwide issue not unique to Evanston.
Although some local and state health departments may have opened up vaccine registration to all those 65 years and older, the City is scheduling vaccinations for this age group incrementally, prioritizing the oldest individuals in this group. This risk-based, phased approach ensures that those most vulnerable to severe illness or complications from COVID-19 have the first opportunity to register for City of Evanston vaccination events, while also reducing the anxiety and competitiveness of the registration process.
The City will continue to provide vaccinations to those in the 65+ age group, from oldest to youngest, until all adults 65 years and older have the opportunity to be vaccinated. The pace of vaccinations is entirely dependent on the amount of vaccine the City receives each week, and the City is prepared to ramp up vaccination distribution as supplies increase. Thank you for your patience.
FAQ: I’ve already received my first dose. When will I be notified about my second dose?
The City’s Health and Human Services Department will send you a notification email to schedule an appointment to receive your second and final vaccine dose several days in advance of when it's available to you. Pfizer doses are administered 21 days (or more) apart, and Moderna doses 28 days (or more) apart. The state has guaranteed that a second dose will be available to all those due to receive it.
FAQ: Where is the City in its vaccine distribution process?
Evanston and Illinois are in Phase 1b. The City will begin offering vaccines to a limited number of individuals in the 77+ age group beginning on Friday and continuing into next week.
As a reminder, the City is currently distributing the vaccines it receives in Phase 1b as follows:
- Individuals 75 years and older (happening now, with the oldest individuals in this group prioritized)
- Individuals 65 years and older
- Residents of congregate care and shelter facilities
- Frontline essential workers, including teachers and daycare workers, public transit employees, grocery store workers, manufacturing workers, and others
If larger quantities of vaccine are released to the City, we may provide vaccines to multiple groups at the same time.
More Vaccine FAQs: Watch Today’s “Coronavirus Q&A”
 Click image to watch video.
Earlier today, Mayor Hagerty and members of the City’s Health and Human Services Department answered questions about the City’s vaccination process and progress made so far. Watch the recording and stay tuned for more Q&As in the coming weeks.
Reminder: Complete the City’s Vaccination Contact Form
If you haven’t already, please complete Evanston’s Vaccination Contact Form (español). By completing the form, you are indicating that you are interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, and will be contacted by the City’s Health and Human Services Department as soon as it is available to you. Please complete the form for every member of your household who lives or works in Evanston.
New: In-home Vaccination Contact Form
The City is working to reach adults 65 years and older who are homebound due to medical conditions or are otherwise unable to attend the City’s COVID-19 vaccination events. If you fit this criteria, please complete the In-Home COVID-19 Vaccination Contact Form so the City can coordinate in-home vaccination when the vaccine is available to you. If you know someone who fits this criteria, please complete the form on their behalf.
 Evanston Votes: Consolidated Primary Election
The Consolidated Primary Election will take place on February 23 and includes races for mayor, city clerk, and 4th Ward and 8th Ward aldermen.
Cast your ballot early: Early voting will take place Mon., Feb. 8 through Mon., Feb. 22. Evanston residents can cast their ballots Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Morton Civic Center, Room G-300. Learn more.
 Start planning for summer!
It's only February, but it's already time to start thinking about summer! The 2021 Summer Camp Guide is now available online.
Save the Date: Evanston residents can register online on Sat., March 6, from 8 a.m. to noon.
 Celebrate Black History Month in Evanston
February is Black History Month! Join Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre for a variety of virtual events to celebrate throughout the month. Broadcast themes include Black Women in the Cultural Arts, Black Storytellers, Black Influences in Music, and Black Visual Artists. Tune in on FJT's Facebook page or YouTube channel.
 It's about to get cold
Free parking in downtown garages extended
With the potential for another accumulating snowfall followed by extremely cold weather this weekend, the City has extended free parking in downtown garages and other select locations through Sun., Feb. 7.
Avoid parking on Snow Routes tonight
Although parking restrictions are not in effect at this time, you can assist Public Works crews by avoiding parking on main thoroughfares posted as Snow Routes overnight, from 11 p.m. on Thurs., Feb. 4 until 6 a.m. on Fri., Feb. 5.
Warming shelter available
The Levy Senior Center will be available as a warming shelter on Saturday and Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The City is also working with local organizations to provide transportation for homeless individuals to and from daytime and overnight warming shelters.
Cold weather tips
Stay warm and stay safe by reviewing cold weather safety information. Plus, make sure your water pipes don't freeze.
Safety reminder: Stay off of lakefront shelf ice
Please stay off of the shelf ice that builds up along the lakefront during the winter months. Walking on shelf ice is extremely dangerous for people and pets. Please stay on the sand.
Coronavirus update
Situation Report
 Chart does not include cases reported on Thursday, February 4.
Good news: Confirmed daily cases continue to decrease
Evanston’s seven-day moving average of confirmed daily cases decreased to 9.14 new cases per day, compared to 14.43 new cases per day a week ago. The seven-day average of new cases per 100,000 residents decreased in Evanston (87.11), remaining lower than Skokie (137.16), Chicago (148.92), Cook County (171), and Illinois (174.01).
Seven new COVID-19 cases were reported today in Evanston. The city has had 3,648 total confirmed cases to date, and 108 residents have died of illness or complications related to COVID-19.
Positivity rate decreases
The City’s seven-day moving average positivity rate continued to decrease, dropping to 0.69 percent, compared to 1.09 percent one week ago. The positivity rate in Evanston remains lower than the state (4.5 percent) and county (6.2 percent). Local COVID-19 hospital admissions continue to decrease.
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.
More good news: Illinois moves to Phase 4 of ‘Restore Illinois’
Illinois has progressed to Phase 4 of the State’s “Restore Illinois” recovery plan. Phase 4 Guidelines include permitting indoor dining for parties of up to 10 people, with seating areas at least six feet apart.
Please continue to follow all public health guidelines, including practicing social distancing and wearing a face covering in public settings when distancing is not possible.
More news and events
Register for the Citizen Police Academy
Registration for the Spring 2021 Citizen Police Academy is now open! This program will be held virtually.
Get outside and go for the gold
Join the Evanston Winter Games throughout February, hosted by Downtown Evanston! Participate in a series of challenges available through the free Eventzee app that encourage you to explore winter activities throughout the city, share pictures and videos, support businesses, and have fun with your family.
Dine your way through February
Devour delicious dining deals from restaurants on Chicago's North Shore during North Shore Restaurant Month - Takeout Edition. Enjoy special discounts and complimentary items February 1-28. Check out offers at participating Evanston restaurants.
Producemobile, February 9
Residents can pick up boxes of fresh produce at the Greater Chicago Food Depository's Producemobile, scheduled to visit the Levy Senior Center parking lot, 300 Dodge Ave., from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Tues., Feb. 9. Call 847-475-1150 for more information.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
What time is it? It's cookie time!
Don't miss out on your chance to purchase Girl Scout cookies! Cookie sales may look different this year (no in-person booths), but you can still enjoy your favorite cookies by placing an order online by March 21.
That’s it for today's e-news. Thank you for reading and stay warm!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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