A Special E-News Message from the Village President, Catherine M. Adduci

October, 15, 2020

A Special E-News Message from the Village President, Catherine M. Adduci

COVID-19 UPDATE

October 15, 2020

Dear River Forest Residents,

COVID-19 Update

I am happy to report that our 14 day positivity rate has been trending downward with an average decline of -11.8%. Please click here and select “Case Data by Town” to see an update on the cases in River Forest.

Thank you to the entire River Forest community for continuing to support efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. Being responsible and socializing safely is so important as we change seasons and begin to spend more time indoors. Please continue to adhere to the CDC guidelines by wearing face coverings, practicing social distancing and washing your hands so River Forest can play, work, learn, live, and shop safely.

Flu Shots

Public health experts recommend getting flu vaccinations this fall if you are able. Doing so will help reduce the strain on healthcare systems and keep hospital beds and other medical resources available for COVID-19 patients. Flu vaccinations are available in River Forest at Walgreens, CVS, and Jewel. Click here for more information about this year’s flu season from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

October Proclamations

Earlier this week, the Village Board ratified four October proclamations: Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Indigenous Peoples' Day, Italian American Heritage Month, and Hispanic Heritage Month. Please take a moment to read these important proclamations to raise awareness for domestic violence and to recognize and celebrate the rich heritage of our River Forest community.

Census - Last Chance to Respond!

River Forest remains committed to ensuring everyone is counted in the 2020 Census - and NOW is your last chance. Today - October 15 - is the last day to respond. This end-date change came after a Supreme Court decision on Tuesday, moving up the deadline from the end of the month.

Head to my2020Census.gov and Be Counted River Forest! The Census is safe and secure, quick and easy, and matters for our community. You can respond online or by phone.

Polling Locations for the November 2020 General Election

The Cook County Clerk’s office has made changes to polling locations in River Forest. If you intend to vote on Election Day, you must do so in your precinct. Please check your polling location by clicking here as the location may have changed from previous elections. Visit vrf.us/voting for more information about registering to vote, early voting, and voting by mail.

Halloween During COVID-19 & 2020 Trick-or-Treating

The Village asks residents to be cognizant of the risks of COVID-19 exposure during trick-or-treating this year. Therefore, we discourage residents from door-to-door trick-or-treating but ask that you consider alternative ways of celebrating at home with your family instead.

Trick-or-treating hours are from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm on Saturday, October 31, 2020.

If you choose to allow your children to trick-or-treat this year, parents are responsible for ensuring their families are following the below Illinois Department of Public Health and CDC guidelines:

As an alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating, anyone who would like to distribute treats should leave individually wrapped candy or treats on a table, on their front walkways, sidewalks, or any outdoor space that allows for at least 6 feet of social distance from the door. The individually wrapped candy should be spread out so each piece is not touching another. Anyone distributing candy or treats should wash their hands properly for at least 20 seconds before placing the candy on the table and when replenishing.
All individuals participating in trick-or-treating, including those passing out candy, should maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet and wear proper face coverings. A costume mask, such as those worn for Halloween, is not a substitute for a face covering. If face coverings are worn under costume masks, please ensure this does not create breathing problems, and if so, discard the costume mask.
If you come upon a group of children not adhering to the face covering or social distancing requirements, try to avoid calling the Village’s non emergency number but instead talk to the parents...most of us know each other anyway.
Only household members should trick-or-treat together, and they should maintain 6-feet social distance from other trick-or-treaters at all times. Mixed household trick-or-treaters are discouraged.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be carried and used frequently.
Candy collected during trick-or-treating should not be consumed until after handwashing. As always, a parent/guardian should check all candy to make sure it is wrapped and should discard unwrapped candy.
Outdoor areas are preferred for trick-or-treating. Enclosed indoor areas, like apartment buildings, present greater risk of transmission. Open doors and windows as appropriate to promote increased ventilation.

Downloadable signs are available to put on your front door or other visible location so those who are trick-or-treating know whether your home is participating. Click here for a RED "no trick-or-treaters" sign if you are choosing not to participate this year. Click here for a GREEN "trick-or-treaters are welcome" sign if you decide to pass out candy this year. Signs are also available for pick up at Village Hall.

Sincerely,