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

February, 18, 2021

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

February 18, 2021

Dear River Forest Residents,

COVID-19 Vaccine

The Village will continue to share all vaccine distribution information with residents as we receive it from the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH). For more information, please reference the updates I provided in past Special E-News editions by clicking here.

Triton College is open as a large-scale vaccination site, operated by Cook County. Vaccinations at all Cook County Health sites, including Triton, are provided by appointment only. Appointments can be made at vaccine.cookcountyil.gov. Individuals without internet access or who need assistance scheduling can call (833) 308-1988 (from 7am to 7pm, Monday - Friday).

COVID-19 vaccinations continue to be distributed to people in Phases 1a and 1b. The distribution of vaccinations is being done in a phased approach based on vaccine availability, using guidance from local, state, and national public health authorities. Please be aware that currently there are far more people eligible to get the vaccine than there are available vaccine doses. Vaccine distribution sites and appointments will increase as available doses increase.

According to officials at CCDPH, residents that sign up through the portal and who are eligible to receive the vaccine, will receive email notifications about appointments that are available at sites nearest to them. Residents are also encouraged to check back on the County website (using the link provided in the confirmation email) to check for available appointments at other County facilities, including Triton College, or with their private partners such as Jewel or Walgreens in River Forest.

If you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, please review the resources below and contact your primary care physician. You may also call the River Forest COVID-19 Senior Response Team at 708-613-1642 or Village Hall at 708-366-8500 during business hours, Monday through Friday 8am-4:30pm.

Both the IDPH and CCDPH have provided portals containing vaccination data to monitor progress of the vaccine administration.

Illinois Department of Public Health Vaccine Data
Cook County Department of Public Health Vaccine Data (click “Vaccine Data”)

COVID-19 Cases

Between Sunday, February 7, and Saturday, February 13, River Forest had 16 new positive cases; 344 tests were completed, resulting in a positivity rate of 4.7%. The week before, from Sunday, January 31, to Saturday, February 6, there were 15 new positive cases of COVID-19; 354 tests were completed, resulting in a positivity rate of 4.2%. For more on COVID-19 data, please read a previous COVID-19 Update by clicking here.

The Village will continue to update you on COVID-19 case data. Residents can also view this by visiting the following sources:

Illinois Department of Public Health
Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH, click “Data by Town”)
Enigma Forensics (utilizing data from the IDPH and tracking it day-by-day)

COVID-19 Restrictions

Currently, all regions in Illinois are in Phase 4. However, CCDPH has issued additional mitigation orders - most recently on Tuesday, February 16 with Mitigation Order 2021-04. River Forest is under the jurisdiction of CCDPH and is subject to these mitigation measures. To review the mitigation measures in their entirety, please click here. Under Cook County Mitigation Order 2021-04, indoor restaurant, bar service and event spaces are limited to the lesser of 40% room capacity or 50 persons.

For information on COVID-19, testing locations, and more, visit vrf.us/Virus.

Shop River Forest

If you are able, please support local businesses. Shop local and help support our restaurants and businesses during these difficult times, especially through Takeout 25 Oak Park, a local campaign geared toward getting commitment from residents to spend $25 each week on takeout from local restaurants through the winter months.

Business Spotlight:

Yolk - Yolk is now open at 7301 North Avenue, formerly Grandma Sally’s! Yolk features new and creative breakfasts, specialty juices and their own private label premium coffee. Open daily from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM, Yolk boasts fantastic food made from high quality ingredients offered at reasonable prices. Find them online or call 708-771-2047.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Zak Knebel Group - Understanding and achieving your real estate goals is the Zak Knebel Group’s highest priority. Neighborhood knowledge and market insight, along with outstanding personal service are the cornerstones of this business. Whether you are looking to downsize or find more space for your growing family here in River Forest, they will provide guidance at each step of the way.
Kirk Eye Center - Kirk Eye Center is located at 7427 Lake Street and has been serving the Chicago area for over 50 years. They have experienced specialists able to provide many advanced services to help patients attain optimal eye health and clearer vision, from general eye exams to specialized care such as LASIK and laser cataract surgery. Kirk Eye Center also has a full optical shop for all your spectacle needs.

For more River Forest businesses, visit the Shop River Forest page of our website at vrf.us/ShopRF. Don't see a River Forest business listed on the Shop River Forest page? Want your business to be featured? Email info@vrf.us.

Big Star Taco Truck Pop Up

Big Star will be hosting a special taco truck pop up for prepaid pick up on Saturday, February 27 at the River Forest Metra Station. Order now for an evening of chips and salsa, queso fundido, al pastor and papas tacos, and dessert! Beverage packages and additional add-ons are also available. Click here for details and to reserve your pick up time.

Sincerely,