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Good evening,
Read below for a COVID-19 vaccine update, information about street cleaning, changes to property tax bill requirements, and more.
As a reminder, you can find the latest Evanston-specific COVID-19 updates on the City's website.
 Over 400 staff and residents of congregate living and shelter facilities received first dose vaccinations today. (Photo credit: Connections staff)
COVID-19 Vaccination Update
To date, the City has distributed more than 13,000 total vaccine doses as part of Phase 1a and 1b. This includes healthcare workers, first responders, those over the age of 65, and frontline essential workers who live or work in Evanston.
Progress this week
This week, as part of Phase 1b, the City continued to focus on vaccinating individuals 65 years and older, from oldest to youngest, as well as educators and those working or living in congregate settings.
Below is a summary of vaccines distributed and administered this week:
- On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, AMITA Health St. Francis Hospital, on behalf of the City’s Health & Human Services Department, administered approximately 975 vaccines to those over the age of 70 as well as educators.
- On Wednesday, the City administered 2nd dose vaccinations to older adults and Phase 1a healthcare workers.
- Today, the City administered more than 400 1st dose vaccinations to residents and staff of congregate living and shelter facilities.
- On Friday, the City will hold a closed vaccination event to administer approximately 500 2nd doses to individuals 83 years and older and Phase 1a healthcare workers.
Next week and beyond
As part of Phase 1b, the City continues to prioritize those 65 years and older. The majority of vaccine doses the City receives each week will continue to be provided to this group until the City has substantially vaccinated those 65 years and older.
- Next week, the City anticipates providing 2nd dose vaccinations for those 78 years and older.
- Additional vaccination events will be scheduled as supplies are confirmed and received.
FAQ: When will more Phase 1b frontline essential workers be vaccinated?
Frontline essential workers, including educators, grocery store workers, manufacturers, public transit employees, and others are included in Phase 1b. The City will increase vaccine distribution to these individuals after substantially completing vaccinations of those 65 years and older. The pace of distribution remains entirely dependent on the amount of vaccine the City receives, and supplies remain limited.
Reminder: Complete the City’s Vaccination Contact Form
If you haven’t already, please complete Evanston’s Vaccination Contact Form (español).
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.
 More ways to stay informed
On Wednesday, medical professionals from NorthShore University HealthSystem and Metro Infectious Disease Consultants joined the City for a "Coronavirus Q&A" in Spanish. The discussion focused on vaccine benefits and safety. Watch the video.
Next up: On Thursday, March 4 at 1 p.m., Mayor Hagerty will be joined by Health & Human Services Director Ike Ogbo and Public Health Manager Greg Olsen for another "Coronavirus Q&A" to answer residents' questions on vaccinations and provide an update on vaccine distribution in Evanston.
 Thank you, volunteers!
Thank you to Evanston's amazing Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers for all of their hard work at the City's COVID-19 vaccination events! Approximately 40 volunteers have assisted with registration, screening, data input, sanitizing and other vital tasks, making these events safe and efficient for all.
 Street cleaning operations postponed
Following significant snow accumulation in February, the start of 2021 street cleaning operations has been postponed. Street cleaning operations scheduled to take place prior to March 15 have been canceled.
Do I still have to move my car? Not yet. Parking restrictions related to street cleaning will not be enforced until operations begin.
How can I stay informed? View the 2021 street cleaning schedule and sign up for courtesy email or text notifications on our street cleaning page.
 Who's counting? We are! 115 days until summer
There's still plenty of snow on the ground, but summer's only three(ish) months away. Start planning now!
Summer jobs: Registration is now open for the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program (MSYEP) Job Fair! This year's job fair will be held on Saturday, March 20 at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center.
Summer camps: Our Summer Camp Guide (español) is now available online. As a reminder, resident summer camp registration day is on Saturday, March 6 beginning online at 8 a.m. See the Top 10 Tips for registration day and learn more.
 What to know about property taxes
Due to COVID-19, the Cook County Treasurer’s Office has announced changes in property tax bill requirements, including allowing delayed payments, eliminating renewal requirements, and allowing seniors to defer payment. Here's what you should know.
Get help filing 2020 income taxes: The Levy Senior Center in partnership with AARP Foundation will offer free drive-through tax-aide appointments beginning March 1 for those 65 and older who meet income requirements. Call the Levy Center at 847-448-8250 to make an appointment.
 COVID-19 Memorial: The Floral Heart Project
On Monday, March 1, volunteers for the Floral Heart Project will be laying floral hearts across America in recognition of those lost to COVID-19 and in loving support for everyone suffering. Floral Heart Project displays can be seen at NorthShore Evanston Hospital and AMITA Health St. Francis Hospital from Monday, March 1 at 4 p.m. through Wednesday, March 3.
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 decrease
 Evanston’s seven-day moving average of confirmed daily cases decreased to 7.43 new cases per day, compared to 10.57 new cases per day a week ago. The seven-day average of new cases per 100,000 residents decreased in Evanston (70.77), Skokie (95.69), Chicago (65.29), Cook County (78), and Illinois (99.63).
Forty COVID-19 cases were reported today in Evanston. The relatively large number of cases reported today is due to a lab reporting delay, with cases backlogged from as far back as December. The city has had 3,888 total confirmed cases to date, and 111 residents have died of illness or complications related to COVID-19.
Positivity rate decreases
The City’s seven-day moving average positivity rate increased to 2.43 percent, compared to 0.85 percent one week ago. The positivity rate in Evanston remains lower than the state (2.5 percent) and county (3.9 percent). Local COVID-19 hospital admissions are 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
Celebrating Life, Community and the Arts, March 1
Enjoy the second offering in the four-part “Celebrating Life, Community and the Arts” series on Monday, March 1 at 7 p.m. The true story of Jevoid Simmons’ family’s audacious journey from the Jim Crow South to the urban North in the 1950s will be brought to life. Learn more.
Restorative Housing Reparations Program Survey
Provide your feedback on the Restorative Housing Reparations Program by March 3. More information.
Construction season is coming
Howard Street improvements: Construction activities will resume for the Howard Street Corridor Project in March.
Church Street pedestrian and bicycle improvements study: Provide your feedback on safety improvements on Church Street, between Dodge Avenue and the North Shore Channel. Take the survey in English or Spanish.
Comment on the Draft 2020 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)
The report discusses the City’s accomplishments during fiscal year 2020 in meeting its community development and housing goals using federal funds. Learn more.
Financial Wellness workshops
The City has partnered with First Northern Credit Union to offer the Financial Wellness Program, a 90-day series to help individuals get back on track financially. Learn more and register for free upcoming workshops.
March events at Northwestern University
Enjoy community events at Northwestern this March, including virtual recreation classes, live streamed performances, and more.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
Black History Month Featured Evanstonians: Evanston Own It
 Evanston Own It believes that every resident deserves to live in a safe, caring community and that every resident should take ownership of everything that happens throughout the city, no matter where they live. Learn more about Evanston Own It and how they've supported the Evanston community in this week's Black History Month feature.
That’s it for today's e-news. Thank you for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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