Greetings!
The pandemic data update via staff at the Chicago Dept. of Health (chicago.gov/coronavirus) indicates a consistent rise in COVID cases. There have been 62,7972 cases of COVID-19 identified in Chicago residents so far and 188,424 in Illinois (just checking these datasets today versus yesterday saw a significant increase). Last week, the number of confirmed COVID-19 infections passed 15 million globally, with around 650,000 deaths and rising rapidly.
WEARING A MASK IN PUBLIC HELPS PREVENTS THE SPREAD
Due to the increase of positive cases, Chicago Public Schools will not re-open for in school learning. See below for more details.
Chicago Housing Rental Assistance funds are now available at chi.gov/housing. The Department of Housing and the Department of Family and Support Services have several initiatives to provide housing cost assistance to Chicago residents impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. There is a quick form to fill out and submit to the City available here.
Utility Billing Relief UBR Program - The Mayor’s Office has launched the Utility Billing Relief UBR Program to help low-income residents come into compliance on water bill payments. This program will operate in partnership with CEDA of Cook County and helps to prevent residents from having to make difficult choices between paying for utilities and other critical goods and services. The UBR Program will provide Chicago residents with a reduced rate on water, sewer, and water-sewer tax; remove late payment penalties or debt collection activity; and debt forgiveness after successfully completing one year with no past due balance. For more information about the Utility Relief Program or to sign up, please visit Chicago.gov/ubr. For more information and updates on COVID-19, text COVID19 to 78015, email coronavirus@chicago.gov or visit Chicago.gov/coronavirus.
Don't forget to take the 2020 Census. The US Census Bureau has decided to cut short the census count by one month, so there is only about a month left to take the census.
Finally, please note that our office will be unable to sell residential parking passes after 12 p.m. (noon) through 6 p.m. on Monday, August 10th because of some technical upgrades to our system. Please plan accordingly and remember that you can always purchase residential parking passes at chicityclerk.com.
Have a safe weekend,
Scott Waguespack, Alderman