![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rnrachicago.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Stay-Home-Save-Lives.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Dear Neighbor:<\/p>\n
Although we have made great progress, Illinois has not yet reached our peak level of new COVID-19 cases. While recent data shows we are moving in the right direction, health\u00a0experts must see a steady decline in new cases before major social distancing restrictions can be relaxed or lifted.<\/p>\n
After weeks of data and trend analysis, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) released\u00a0updated guidelines at the\u00a0Individual<\/a>,\u00a0Family<\/a>, and\u00a0Multi-Family Residence<\/a>\u00a0levels\u00a0to ensure we are doing all that we can to help slow the spread of COVID-19.<\/p>\n As we stay at home, the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 is to continue to practice good hand hygiene and social distancing when in public. It is also important\u00a0to note the difference between self-quarantine and self-isolation, terms that have been used frequently since Coronavirus began to spread in the United States.<\/p>\n Chicago Health<\/em>\u00a0magazine recently published an\u00a0informative article<\/a> distinguishing the difference between “Self-Isolation” and “Self-Quarantine.” It is worth a read.<\/p>\n As a reminder, the following are COVID-19 Facts and Guidelines that apply to\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Know How COVID-19 Is Spread<\/strong><\/p>\n I know that the uncertainty and conflicting messages from various government leaders is causing all of us a tremendous amount of stress and concern. \u00a0Please know that the best\u00a0expert minds, in every level of government, are working around the clock to help us manage this pandemic and identify a path to normalcy. \u00a0We will get through this crisis.<\/p>\n Thank you for continuing to be patient during these extraordinary (and sometimes frustrating) restrictions that have been implemented to protect our public health.<\/p>\n Although these restrictions are disruptive to our daily lives and represent a level of personal sacrifice, please remember our many neighbors who serve as first-responders and\u00a0healthcare workers who are selflessly sacrificing so much more – on a daily basis – to help keep us safe and healthy. Let’s keep those heroes in mind as we stay at home.<\/p>\n We must continue to flatten the curve. \u00a0The sooner we can turn the corner on COVID-19, the sooner we can all get Chicago re-opened for business!<\/p>\n For updates on COVID-19, please visit:\u00a0City of Chicago<\/a>,\u00a0State of Illinois<\/a>, and\u00a0CDC<\/a>.<\/p>\n Sincerely,<\/p>\n Brendan Reilly\u2022 Coming in close contact (about six feet or two arm lengths) with a person who has COVID-19 – the virus is primarily spread from person to person.<\/div>\n\u2022 Being infected by respiratory droplets via cough, sneeze, or talking.<\/div>\n\u2022 Touching a contaminated surface and then your mouth, nose or eyes.<\/div>\n<\/div>\nProtect Yourself and Others\u00a0<\/strong><\/div>\n\u2022 There is no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid exposure to COVID-19.<\/div>\n\u2022 Stay home as much as possible and avoid close contact with others.<\/div>\n\u2022 Wear a covering over your nose and mouth in public settings<\/a>.<\/div>\n\u2022 Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.<\/div>\n\u2022 Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.<\/div>\n<\/div>\nPractice Social Distancing<\/strong><\/div>\n\u2022 Complete activities online when possible, including buying groceries and medicine, doctor visits, and banking activities.<\/div>\n\u2022 If you must go out in public, maintain 6 feet of distance from others.<\/div>\n\u2022 Get deliveries or takeout, limit in-person contact and disinfect packages.<\/div>\n\u2022 Prevent the Spread if You Are Sick<\/div>\n\u2022 Stay home if you are sick, except to get urgent medical care.<\/div>\n\u2022 Avoid using all public transportation, ride-sharing or taxis.<\/div>\n\u2022 Separate yourself from the other people and pets in your home.<\/div>\n\u2022 There is no specific treatment, but seek medical care for symptoms.<\/div>\n\u2022 If you need medical attention, be sure to call the hospital first.<\/div>\n
\nPresident Pro Tempore
\nAlderman, 42nd\u00a0Ward<\/p>\n