Thursday, February 11, 2021 | View in browser
Good afternoon,
Read below for a COVID-19 vaccine distribution update, information about Black History Month events, back-to-school safety reminders, 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 as part of its phased distribution plan.
COVID-19 Vaccination Update
To date, the City has distributed more than 11,000 vaccine doses to Evanston hospitals, healthcare workers, paramedics, first responders, and those most vulnerable to severe illness or complications from COVID-19.
This week
The City largely completed vaccinations of Phase 1a healthcare workers and first responders, and is focusing on individuals 65 years and older, from oldest to youngest, and those living in congregate settings as part of Phase 1b.
- On Wednesday, the City held a closed vaccination event for non-hospital healthcare workers to receive their 2nd and final dose of the vaccine. Approximately 600 individuals received their 2nd dose at this event.
- On Thursday, the City began administering a limited number of on-site vaccinations to individuals in congregate settings. Ninety vaccine doses were administered to individuals at two facilities as part of the Evanston Community Health Outreach (ECHO) program with AMITA Health St. Francis Hospital.
- On Friday, the City will hold a closed vaccination event for individuals 75 years and older to receive their 1st vaccine dose. The City anticipates distributing 650 1st dose vaccinations at this event.
Next week and beyond
The City continues to prioritize vaccinations for those 65 and older, from oldest to youngest. The majority of vaccine doses the City receives next week and each week moving forward will continue to be reserved for this group until the City has substantially vaccinated those 65 years and older.
- Next week, the City anticipates beginning vaccinations of individuals 73 years and older.
- Anticipating that the supply of vaccines will increase in the coming weeks, the City is also preparing to distribute a portion of doses it receives to educators, including daycare, early childhood and K-12 teachers, prioritizing those who are or will be doing in-person activities and beginning with the oldest members of this group.
- The City will also continue to administer a portion of vaccines it receives on-site to individuals in congregate settings.
FAQ: Can I register to receive the COVID-19 vaccine from other trusted providers in addition to the City of Evanston?
Yes. If you’re currently eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as part of Phase 1b, you may be able to register for an appointment through your pharmacy, employer, or another trusted source. Although the supply of vaccines is limited everywhere, this will allow you to receive the vaccine at the first opportunity available to you.
The State of Illinois announced today that it is partnering with CVS, Hy-Vee, Jewel-Osco, Kroger, Mariano’s, Meijer, Walgreens, and Walmart pharmacies to provide COVID-19 vaccinations.
FAQ: Will Evanston be expanding Phase 1b to include individuals with underlying health conditions?
This week, Governor Pritzker announced that local health departments who substantially complete Phase 1b vaccinations can begin vaccinating individuals with underlying conditions and comorbidities starting February 25. Due to the large number of individuals 65 years and older in Evanston who are currently eligible for vaccines as part of Phase 1b, and the limited supply of vaccines available to date, the City does not anticipate being able to expand Phase 1b to include these individuals on February 25. The City will continue to provide weekly updates on its vaccine distribution plans and progress.
Reminder: Complete the City’s Vaccination Contact Form
If you haven’t already, please complete Evanston’s Vaccination Contact Form (español) so that the City can contact you as soon as the vaccine is available to you. Please complete the form for every member of your household who lives or works in Evanston.
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 or know someone who does, please complete the In-Home COVID-19 Vaccination Contact Form.
Bridging the Gaps: Black Health and the COVID-19 Vaccine
Join Second Baptist Church and AMITA Health St. Francis for a webinar to discuss and share relevant information regarding the COVID-19 vaccines on Mon., Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. Registration is required.
Black History Month continues!
Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre's celebration of Black History Month continues with a variety of virtual 10-minute programs. Broadcast themes include Black Women in the Cultural Arts, Black Storytellers, Black Influences in Music, and Black Visual Artists. Tune in on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m. throughout the month on FJT's Facebook or YouTube channel.
NorthShore's Black Leadership Forum presents...a documentary screening of Black Men in White Coats. The film is available for streaming Feb. 11 and 12, followed by a virtual panel discussion on Sat., Feb. 13. Email BlackLeadershipForum@northshore.org to register.
View more community events.
Back-to-school parking and safety reminders
District 65 will launch its hybrid learning model on Tues., Feb. 16. As students, parents, teachers and staff adjust to new morning and afternoon routines, please walk, bike and drive carefully to ensure everyone gets to and from school safely.
Parking reminder: To facilitate safe drop-off and pick-up, please also follow posted signage designating “No Parking” during school hours.
Early voting continues in Evanston
Early voting for the Consolidated Primary Election, which includes races for mayor, city clerk, and 4th Ward and 8th Ward aldermen, will continue through Mon., Feb. 22.
When can I vote? 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.
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.
Chart does not include cases reported on Thursday, February 11.
Evanston’s seven-day moving average of confirmed daily cases increased to 11.57 new cases per day compared to 9.14 new cases per day a week ago. The seven-day average of new cases per 100,000 residents increased in Evanston (110.24), but remains lower than Skokie (194.58), Chicago (128.55), Cook County (130), and Illinois (148.08).
Seventeen new COVID-19 cases were reported today in Evanston. The city has had 3,739 total confirmed cases to date, and 110 residents have died of illness or complications related to COVID-19.
Positivity rate
The City’s seven-day moving average positivity rate increased to 1.07 percent, compared to 0.69 percent one week ago. The positivity rate in Evanston remains lower than the state (3.3 percent) and county (5.2 percent). Local COVID-19 hospital admissions remain stable.
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 news and events
No changes to City services on Presidents Day
City services, including refuse and recycling collection, will operate as normal on Presidents Day, Mon., Feb. 15.
Help essential workers by clearing a path
Remember to remove snow from your steps and driveway so that essential workers, including Post Office carriers, first responders, and delivery drivers who often carry packages and carts, have a clear path to safely approach homes and businesses.
Register for the Citizen Police Academy
Registration for the Spring 2021 Citizen Police Academy is now open! This program will be held virtually.
What's happening at NU this month?
Join Northwestern University virtually this winter for virtual recreation events, an opera mini-series, and more! View February's featured events.
How are regional transportation projects funded?
Did you know that the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) distributes federal grants for infrastructure improvements in northeastern Illinois? Learn more about the process in this video.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
Featured Evanstonian: Nolan Robinson
Meet Nolan Robinson, this week's featured Evanstonian in honor of Black History Month! As a lifelong Evanston resident, Nolan has used his ability to connect with others to create meaningful art and positive messaging throughout the community. Read more.
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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