Dear Neighbor,

The current COVID-19 test positivity rate for Chicago is 15.5%. In an effort to mitigate this imploding rate, the City of Chicago set new restrictions on meetings and social events and issued a "Stay at Home" advisory. All residents of the City of Chicago are advised to stay at home in response to the rapid rise of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the City.

The restrictions that are now in effect are as follows:

• Meetings and social events are limited to 10 individuals (both indoors and outdoors).
  • The limitation applies to events such as weddings, birthday parties, and other events.
• Places of worship cannot have more than ten individuals gather for events such as weddings, funerals, bar mitzvahs, or wakes.
  • Regular services can continue at 40% capacity with a maximum of 50 individuals.
• For industry-specific guidelines for fitness clubs, retail stores, personal services, movie theaters, click here.

Additionally, residents are strongly advised to:

• Not have guests in their homes unless they are essential workers (i.e., home healthcare providers or childcare workers).
• Cancel traditional Thanksgiving celebrations.
• Avoid travel.

Budget Hearings have come to a close and we are preparing for a City Council vote on the 2021 Municipal Budget. I am focused on making sure our neighborhood schools and communities have the resources they need, our streets are safe, and high-quality city services are delivered to everyone.

Due in large part to COVID-19, we now face a $1.2 billion spending gap for the 2021 budget. This is the largest budget gap in the history of the City of Chicago.  Of the $1.2 billion estimated, $783 million is due to COVID-19 revenue losses, while $421 million is due to mandated spending increases.

As a City and Council, we must think pragmatically, creatively, and equitably on how to solve the $1.2 billion gap. Throughout the budget hearings, I have offered suggestions to reduce overhead costs and make our city more cost-efficient. Overall, through eliminating vacancies, furloughs, and reducing the workforce, the city has identified $430.9 million in operational savings.

I encourage you to listen to the upcoming council meetings here: https://www.chicityclerk.com

The 39th Ward Public Service Office is open virtually from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Out of an abundance of caution, we are not open to the public. Please reach out should you have any questions, comments, or concerns at 773.736.5594 or via email at Ward39@CityOfChicago.org.

Very truly yours, 

Alderman Samantha Nugent

The Chicago Department of Transportation will be making lighting improvements on:

• West Peterson Avenue from North Cicero Avenue to Edens Expressway; and 
• North Cicero Avenue Avenue from West Peterson Avenue to West Glenlake Avenue.

• Only leave home to go to work or school, or for essential needs such as seeking medical care, going to the grocery store or pharmacy, picking up take-out food, or receiving deliveries. If you do leave home, practice social distancing by staying 6 feet away from others and wearing a face covering at all times. 
• Do not have gatherings in your home with anybody outside of your household (except for essential staff such as home health care workers or educators), even with trusted family or friends. 
• Avoid all non-essential, out-of-state travel; if travel is essential, quarantining or testing negative prior to travel is required, depending on which state a traveler originates. 
• Comply with City and State Orders, including wearing face coverings, limiting gatherings, and mandating early closure of non-essential businesses at 11 p.m. 
• Practice social distancing and avoid touching surfaces frequently touched by others if you go outside to get fresh air. 
• Use remote modes of communication like phone or video chat instead of visiting friends or family, especially on holidays such as Thanksgiving.

YOU can make a difference in the fight against COVID-19. Take 2 minutes today to sign NorthShore’s COVID Safety Promise and help spread the word, not the virus: www.northshore.org/covidsafety.