 
Thursday, August 26, 2021 | View in browser
Good afternoon!
To those returning to school, we hope your year is off to a great start! Read below for information about the reissued mask mandate in Evanston, Parks & Recreation's Fall Program Guide, Local Reparations Restorative Housing Program information sessions, and more.
Plus, the Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market is recognized (twice!).
 Let's mask up, Evanston!
To reduce the spread of COVID-19 and the highly contagious Delta variant, all individuals two years and older, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear a face covering in all businesses and indoor public spaces in Evanston beginning tomorrow, Fri., Aug. 27.
Earlier today, Governor Pritzker announced that a statewide indoor mask mandate will go into effect on Mon., Aug. 30.
Local businesses: As part of the City's Order, businesses and other venues must post signage indicating that masks are required for all individuals regardless of vaccination status. Download a printable sign.
 Start planning fall fun
The Fall Parks & Recreation Program Guide is now available online! Browse through hundreds of recreation programs, special events, and ways to keep you and your family healthy and active this season. Register for programs online or call 847-448-4311.
 Learn about the Restorative Housing Program
The City has approved the first $400,000 of its $10 million commitment toward local reparations to support the Restorative Housing Program. Attend one of five upcoming information sessions to learn about the program and application process. Registration is required.
 Save money and support solar energy!
Join the Residential Community Solar Program, which helps residents and small businesses save money and develop renewable energy. Program participants will save 20 percent on the energy supply portion of their monthly electric bill based on the solar generation credits achieved for their account. Enroll today.
COVID-19 Update
Cases, Positivity Rates and Hospitalizations
 Click to enlarge.
Cases: Evanston reported 55 new confirmed COVID-19 cases over the last seven days, compared to 45 for the week prior. The city also reported its first COVID-19-related death since May 31. To date, the city has had 4,914 total confirmed cases, and 119 residents have died of illness or complications related to COVID-19.
Positivity rate: The City’s seven-day moving average positivity rate is 1.62 percent, down from 1.66 percent for the seven days prior.
Hospitalizations: Local COVID-19 hospitalizations have remained stable over the last several weeks following an increase in hospitalizations at the beginning of August.
Vaccination Update
To date, approximately 86.4 percent of residents 12 years and older have received at least one dose of the vaccine and 79.8 percent are fully vaccinated. View the City’s updated data dashboard (view on mobile) for the latest Evanston-specific vaccination data from the IDPH.
Get your vaccine this Saturday!
The City and District 65 will host a Pfizer vaccination event for anyone 12 years and older this Sat., Aug. 28, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the J.E.H. Education Center, 1500 McDaniel Ave. Register for your free vaccine appointment.
Who's eligible for a “booster” shot?
The CDC is recommending that moderately to severely immunocompromised people receive an additional/third dose of the vaccine. This includes people who have:
- Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
- Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Received a stem cell transplant within the last two years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
- Advanced or untreated HIV infection
- Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response
Talk to your healthcare provider about your medical condition and whether getting an additional dose is appropriate for you.
How can I get a booster dose?
If you're immunocompromised and eligible for an additional vaccine dose, here’s how to find your nearest vaccine site:
- Go to vaccines.gov
- Click ‘Find COVID-19 Vaccines’
- Enter your zip code and click ‘Search for Vaccines’
The City’s Health & Human Services Department is also preparing to offer additional doses to those who are immunocompromised. If you’d like to receive your vaccine from the Evanston Health & Human Services Department, please fill out this short survey.
More news and events
The 'Kits, Cats and Kids Block Party is back!
Celebrate the back-to-school season at the 'Kits, 'Cats and Kids Block Party on Thurs., Sept. 9, 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This year's event will be held at a new location, the ETHS Band Field, located at Dodge Avenue and Lake Street.
Get real-time beach and swim status updates
As seasonal lifeguard and beach staff return to school, the City adjusts end-of-season beach operations to ensure all locations have adequate staff to maintain public safety, manage admissions, and support daily operations. Before you head to the beach, check the City's Lakefront and Beaches page for the status of beaches and swimming availability.
Share your thoughts on the Greenleaf Shared Street Pilot
The Greenleaf Shared Street Pilot has concluded, but you can still provide your feedback! Help the City better understand what worked, what didn't, and what communities benefitted (or didn't).
Apply for a Back to Business small business grant
As part of Governor Pritzker’s economic recovery strategy, the $250 million Back to Business (B2B) grant program aims to administer small business recovery grants for those hit hardest by the pandemic. Learn about eligibility guidelines and apply to receive a grant today!
Up next on the big screen...
Starlight Movies in the Park continue this week with The Great Outdoors on Sat., Aug. 28 at Kamen East Park. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and snacks out to enjoy movies under the stars beginning at 7 p.m. View the Starlight schedule.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market is recognized as one of the best!
If you haven't made it out to The Market yet this season (or even if you have), head to University Place and Oak Avenue on Saturdays, 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., to see what all the hype is about.
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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