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Please note: In an effort to reduce the exposure to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the City of West Chicago is taking precautionary steps effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020, until further notice.

There will be no public access to City buildings, except for the Police Station (325 Spencer Street).  Customers needing to drop off plans/forms or pay for utility bills, building permits, inspections, deed certification stamps or any other payments that would normally be made at City Hall may make those payments in the dropbox in front of City Hall or online.

Staff in all Departments will be available via email or telephone. The City made this decision based upon guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and the Illinois Department of Public Health to begin implementing appropriate “social distancing” precautions into our City operations so that we may protect the health, safety, and well-being of our employees and customers, while also continuing to maintain essential City functions and emergency response services.

March 27, 2020 - Business Disaster Relief Funding & Programs

March 26, 2020 - Emergency Child Care Resources from the State of Illinois

March 26, 2020 - West Chicago Restaurants Offering Pickup, Delivery or Drive-through Service

March 25, 2020 - City Cancels Blooming Fest Event Due to COVID-19

March 24, 2020 - Increase in Flushing of Cleaning Items Prompts Recommendation

March 24, 2020 - Aumento en Artículos de Limpieza Siendo Tirados por el Inodoro Sugiere Recomendación

March 23, 2020 - Information from EPA on COVID-19 and Drinking Water and Wastewater

March 22, 2020 - More COVID-19 Resources from State of Illinois

March 22, 2020 - Groot Temporary Change in Collection Operations as a Result of COVID-19

March 21, 2020 - Information for Restaurants on Packaged Alcoholic Liquor

March 21, 2020 - Message from Mayor Pineda on Illinois' Stay at Home Order

March 20, 2020 - Governor Pritzker Announces a Stay at Home Order for Illinois - FAQs

March 20, 2020 - Small Business Resources from the Office of Governor J.B. Pritzker

March 20, 2020 - Information About Restaurants and Bars from the Office of Governor J.B. Pritzker

March 18, 2020 - A Message from Mayor Pineda to the
Community

March 18, 2020 - Un Mensaje del Alcalde Ruben Pienda para la Comunidad

March 18, 2020 - News from a Community Partner - Comcast

March 16, 2020 - City of West Chicago Announces Precautionary Steps to Reduce Exposure to COVID-19

March 16, 2020 - La Ciudad de West Chicago Anuncia Pasos de Precaución para Reducir Exposición a COVID-19

March 15, 2020 - Gov. Pritzker Announces Bars and Restaurants Will Close to Public by End of Monday

March 15, 2020 - COVID-19 and  Voting

As of March 15, 2020

Lo que necesita saber sobre la enfermedad del coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)

Below is information from the City of West Chicago, related to COVID-19, as we know it. As the situation continues to unfold, this information is extremely subject to change. If necessary, updates may be shared on a daily, if not hourly basis on the City's social media accounts and website.

What is the City doing about COVID-19?

The City of West Chicago takes its role in serving the community seriously. We are focused on keeping our residents, neighbors, and staff healthy and safe. That’s why the City has taken a proactive approach in the planning and preparing of potential complications which may arise from the spread of the coronavirus. This includes coordination with other local and state agencies such as the DuPage County Health Department, the Cook County Health Department, and the DuPage County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DCOHSEM).

What efforts are the City's first responders taking? UPDATED 3/14/2020

In an effort to remain proactive regarding preparedness efforts, the City of West Chicago's Police Department and Public Works Department are taking extra precautions to help prevent the spread of illness within its' ranks.

The City of West Chicago's Police Department is temporarily suspending non-essential public access to the police facility. This pertains mainly to tours and administrative appointments (e.g. Coffee with a Cop, all tours, courtesy fingerprint appointments for solicitors, private sector background investigations, etc.

When calling for a non-emergency incident, our telecommunicators will ensure they have a callback telephone number and will advise the caller they may receive a call from a police officer to take the report over the phone aside from an officer’s in-person response. Examples of reports that can be taken over the phone are accidental damage to property, burglary to vehicle, harassing/annoying phone calls, theft, vandalism to vehicle, accidental damage to vehicle, gas drive-off (gas stations only), lost/mislaid property and vandalism.

We encourage West Chicago Police Station visitors to only utilize our lobby for urgent police matters. If present in the lobby, please strive to maintain a 6-foot minimum distance between yourself and others and limit contact with surfaces.

We appreciate your understanding that the community’s safety, health and welfare are our top priority. Be assured West Chicago’s first responders are taking many precautions with our own health and safety to ensure we may effectively address public safety needs. Once reported cases begin to trend downward and dissipate in the region, countermeasures will be rolled back.

The City of West Chicago's Public Works Department continues normal operation of the City’s water distribution and sanitary collection systems and remains ready to respond to inclement weather conditions and other emergencies.

Can the COVID-19 virus spread through drinking water?

The CDC reports that COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water. Conventional water treatment methods that use filtration and disinfection, such as those in most municipal drinking water systems, should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.

Can the COVID-19 virus spread through sewerage systems?

The CDC is reviewing all data on COVID-19 transmission as information becomes available. At this time, the risk of transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19 through sewerage systems is thought to be low. Although transmission of COVID-19 through sewage may be possible, there is no evidence to date that this has occurred. This guidance will be updated as necessary as new evidence is assessed.

What else has the City done to prepare for the possible impact of COVID-19?

City of West Chicago staff are following the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). These include:

• Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after being in a public place, or after blowing nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, the use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is recommended

• Avoiding the touching of eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick

• Striving to keep at least six feet of distance with others, particularly as many staff members have direct contact working with the public throughout the day

• Staying home if sick

• Covering mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Immediately washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, cleaning hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol is recommended.

Should this situation impact West Chicago on a greater scale, how might this affect West Chicago?

Should the City experience a direct impact, potential next steps could include:

• Canceling large-scale community events
• Canceling/postponing public meetings
• Restricting access of City facilities to essential personnel only
• Requiring self-quarantine of staff that have been exposed

Please note that these decisions could be mandated by other agencies including the DuPage Health Department, DuPage County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, the Illinois Department of Public Health or the CDC.

What can I do to help prevent the spread of illness or reduce my chances of exposure?

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

West Chicago officials will continue to monitor various sources for best practices about COVID-19 and will take appropriate steps as necessary to continue to provide core services to residents. The City strongly encourages anyone who suspects they may have the coronavirus to contact a medical professional.

How will the City let residents know about updates?The City will continue to share updates and information on social media pages including Facebook (www.facebook.com/CityofWestChicago/ ), Twitter (www.twitter.com/WestChicagoIL ), and on the City's website. Additional information may be sent through the City's e-Newsletter mailing list. If you are not already signed up, please take a moment to sign up for the newsletter.