COVID Update – December 29, 2021

New Mitigation Order from Cook County

The Cook County Department of Public Health has issued a new COVID-19 Mitigation Order to take effect on January 3, 2022. Patrons must now show proof of vaccination when entering indoor dining establishments with on-premises dining, event spaces, theaters, and fitness centers. This does not apply for restaurant carry-out. The following forms of proof of vaccination are acceptable: 

• A CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card; or
• An official immunization record from the jurisdiction, state, or country where the vaccine was administered; or
• An ‘app’ that provides a digital record of vaccinations; or
• A digital or physical photo of such a card or record that includes the individual’s name, the vaccine brand administered, and the date the vaccination was administered.

Under Mitigation Order 2021-11:

All businesses and individuals: 

• Any individual aged two and older and able to medically tolerate a mask shall be required to wear a mask when indoors in a public place, regardless of vaccination status.
• All businesses open to the public must post signage advising patrons and staff that masks are required to be worn on the premises. Such signage must be posted at all entrances to the premises as well as prominently posted in an area visible to patrons and staff within the establishment.
• Masks may be removed at restaurants, bars, and other eating/drinking establishments by patrons when they are actively eating/drinking while stationary. Masks can also be removed for certain activities that require their removal, such as beard shaves or facials. 

To read the entire order CCDPH COVID Order 2021-11_12 23 21

Testing Information

To help meet the growing demand for the COVID-19 vaccine booster, the State of Illinois announced it will double personnel at regional sites to prepare and administer vaccinations. Beginning the week of January 3, 2022 the state’s free Community Based Testing Sites will begin operating six days a week to increase COVID-19 testing availability across the state. Appointments can be made at each clinic at the links below. Many locations will also accept walk ups. Cook County: https://vaccine.cookcountyil.gov/

https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/testing.html

https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/testing-sites.html

Cold Weather Safety

When temperatures drop to dangerous levels, remember to take precautions. Limit time outdoors. Watch for signs of frostbite including skin that is whitish and stiff and will feel numb rather than painful. If you notice these signs, take immediate action. Wear several layers of lightweight clothing and keep your head covered. Wear mittens rather than fingered gloves. Cover your ears and your mouth with a scarf to protect the lungs. If you are traveling in a car, bring extra clothing to keep warm in case of breakdown. Remember also to limit the time your pets spend out of doors.

Take steps to protect your pipes from freezing. Open cabinet doors to warm up the pipes. You can prevent freezing by keeping a small trickle of water running through the pipes on extra cold days

Bingocize Class

Age Options is sponsoring a Bingocize class starting January 26 at the Schiller Park Community Center located at 4501 25th Street. Franklin Park residents are invited to participate to have fun, learn fall prevention techniques and get light exercise. The class is free and is held on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 until 11 AM from January 26 through April 1. To register or learn more, call Mary at (847) 678-8765 or go to seniorservices@schillerparkil.us

Free Virtual Health Workshop

Sign up now for the six-week course to learn how to better manage your health. The free course is made available by Age Options and will meet on Tuesdays beginning on January 18 from 1 until 3:30 PM over Zoom. To register or for more information, call (708) 383 – 0258. Call Age Options staff at (800) 699-9043 to receive technical assistance if you are not familiar with Zoom.

Having Problems Paying Your Utility Bills?

There are resources available for those who qualify to help pay for utilities including heat, electricity, and water bills. To learn more about the programs available, qualifications and the documents required to apply, download the flyer here ......

Leyden Family Services at Village Hall

Leyden Family Services will be at Village Hall to help residents who have questions or need help applying for government programs like Medicare, Medicaid, LIHEAP and more.

Staff can also help with understanding medical bills, prescription assistance, and more. Bring your Social Security award letter and paycheck stubs that show the amount of income you receive. No appointment is necessary and facemasks are required.

Document Checklist

Scheduled Village Hall dates are from

9 AM to Noon on

• January 19
• February 16
• March 23
• April 20
• May 18

Quiet Zone Update

The Village is in the final stages of applying to secure a Train Horn Quiet Zone with the Village of River Grove. Completion of the pedestrian safety improvements will allow the two Villages to qualify for the Quiet Zone. Since fall of 2020, METRA has been working to construct the required safety improvements which include upgrading crossing equipment technology at Scott Street, a new pedestrian crossing at the Rose Street grade crossing, installing new gates at the Calwagner pedestrian grade crossing and shifting the pedestrian grade crossing at the Metra depot.

Unfortunately, METRA has informed the Village that due to COVID-related setbacks, they will not be able to complete their work this summer as expected and have extended their estimated completion date to late October. The Village is proceeding with making street improvements including installing plastic delineators down the centerline of the roads at 25th and Ruby. Please watch our Village newsletter for updates on this important project.

To learn more about Quiet Zone update....