Thursday, March 18, 2021 | View in browser
Some Good News on the Vaccination Front
 Many community members 67 and older received first doses earlier this week.
Throughout this disaster, I have stressed a “whole of community” response and recovery effort. It means we all need to work collaboratively to solve our problems, and that none of us should think any one of us will “save” all of us. Our faith, reliance on one another and our collective organizations, and shared sacrifice will benefit all of us. Today, I want to share how this approach has produced some positive changes since my last message to the community on March 8.
Cook County Mass Vaccination Sites Will Open to Evanston Residents
I’m pleased to report that through the advocacy of many, Cook County mass vaccination (MassVac) sites are now open to Evanston residents, as well as those in Illinois. The County announced yesterday that new appointments will be available starting this Friday, March 19 at noon, but residents can sign up now to begin the process. In addition, starting Monday, March 22, County sites will open to Phase 1B+ individuals.
Cook County has also been allocated appointment slots at FEMA’s United Center MassVac site, and will be announcing the process of scheduling those appointments soon.
Opening these MassVac locations will increase the pace at which Evanston residents can be vaccinated, and will support our Health & Human Services Department’s ongoing efforts to administer vaccines to eligible residents as quickly as we receive them. There’s some good news on that front, too. Read on.
88 Percent of Evanston Residents 65+ Have Received at Least One Vaccine Dose
From the start, the City has prioritized vaccinating residents 65 years and older, from oldest to youngest. Why? The data shows that older residents are most likely to be hospitalized and develop severe or fatal illness from COVID-19. That’s why I’m pleased to share that according to data provided to Evanston by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH):
- 10,249 residents 65 or older have received their first dose, representing 88 percent of residents in this age group
- 6,481 residents 65 or older have received their second dose, representing 56 percent of residents in this age group
Based on current IDPH allocation projections, the City anticipates that nearly all residents 65 and older who wish to receive the vaccine will be able to receive at least their first dose by the end of March. This will allow the City to administer more vaccines to others in Phase 1B and 1B+ who are under 65 years of age, and continue to build on the significant progress we've made. That brings me to our next bit of good news.
More than a Third of Evanston Residents 16+ Have Received At Least One Vaccine Dose
According to data provided to Evanston by the IDPH:
- 20,901 Evanston residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, representing 34 percent of the population 16 years or older
- 12,372 have received their second dose, representing 20 percent of the population 16 years or older
These numbers include residents who received the vaccine at City of Evanston point of dispensing (POD) events or through another trusted source, such as their healthcare provider or pharmacy.
Speaking of pharmacies, I'm proud to share news of a community partnership that will provide additional vaccines to more of our frontline essential workers this weekend.
Evanston Schools, Walgreens Partner to Boost Teacher Vaccinations
Over the last several weeks, a small veteran-owned company in Evanston – Walgreen Health Solutions – has been advocating and collaborating with Walgreens and our two school districts to establish a vaccination event for our D65 and D202 educators and staff. I’m pleased to announce that this Evanston-specific vaccination event will occur this Sunday, March 21. This is the direct result of a whole of community response by the private sector, the City, and our school administrators.
More than getting shots in the arms of our educators, it means getting our kids back in the classroom. This will also allow our Health & Human Services Department to speed up vaccinations of early childhood educators, staff and other frontline essential workers as part of Phase 1B.
Finally, Evanston’s COVID-19 Metrics Look Promising
Thanks to the tireless efforts of our Health & Human Services Department and our entire community’s commitment to save lives, follow public health guidelines, and help our neighbors in need, Evanston’s number of daily confirmed cases and positivity rate remain low relative to surrounding communities. As of today, Evanston’s seven-day average of daily confirmed cases is 6.57, and our seven-day positivity rate is 0.7 percent.
If we all continue to work collaboratively as individuals and organizations, we will not only continue to respond effectively to this pandemic, we will set the stage for a strong, equitable and whole of community recovery.
My thanks for your continued patience, hard work, and sacrifice as we see this pandemic through.
 Stephen H. Hagerty
Mayor, City of Evanston
shagerty@cityofevanston.org
Evanston Named All-America City Finalist
 I’m proud to report that Evanston is one of 20 finalists for the National Civic League’s annual All-America City Award. The honor recognizes communities that leverage civic engagement, collaboration, inclusiveness and innovation to successfully address local issues.
Apply for the Reparations Committee
Help guide the City’s Local Reparations Plan by applying for the City’s Reparations Committee, which will serve in an advisory capacity to the Evanston City Council.
The Reparations Committee will be responsible for evaluating applications, recommending funding allocations for housing and economic development initiatives, developing programs that address historical discrimination in the past by the City, and monitoring the progress of program impact in each ward to which funding is allocated.
Applications are due by March 31, and the Committee will be seated in May 2021.
COVID-19 Resources
City of Evanston
Cook County
State of Illinois
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
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