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Sign up for COVID-19 Alerts when new information is posted on the website and be sure to also subscribe to SkokieNews for email advisories!
See the new Skokie Spirit Shines Through! page with photos and messages of hope, encouragement and support from your Skokie neighbors, and for a link to print a poster for your window!
The Skokie Community Foundation has launched a new Skokie Spirit Shines Through fundraising campaign! See details on how you can support the campaign. Funds raised through this effort will be given to the Village’s Office of Human Services for distribution to assist our Skokie neighbors in need during this difficult time. The Village is grateful to the Skokie Community Foundation for their partnership in this effort!
See photos of Village Trustees in action showing how their Skokie Spirits are Shining Through!
There are now 168 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Skokie, with seven deaths reported.
This number will be updated daily at approximately 4 p.m. These are confirmed cases of Skokie residents only. The first Skokie case was identified on March 14, 2020. Skokie residents confirmed to have COVID-19 range from three months to 92 years of age. Seven people, all over the age of 60, have died. For statewide information, visit the IDPH webpage.
- This graph shows the total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Skokie residents over time since the first case was identified on March 14, 2020. As we move forward, people are beginning to recover from the illness and those numbers will be included along with the number of deaths each day.
- People who have been infected with COVID-19 are considered recovered if they are not in the hospital, are feeling better, and it has been at least seven days since they began having symptoms, and 72 hours without a fever while using no medication.
UPDATED: April 6, 2020 at 11:20 a.m.
There are cases of COVID-19 throughout the community and the Skokie Health Department encourages all residents to adhere to proper hygiene protocols that have been widely publicized over the past few weeks. According to the CDC, recent evidence indicates that up to 25% of people with COVID-19 infection may not have symptoms and can still spread the disease. It is very important that you stay at home, even if you feel well.
CDC Now Recommends Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19
CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, such as grocery stores and pharmacies. CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure. Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cloth face covering without assistance. The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.
How to Wear Cloth Face Coverings
Cloth face coverings should:
- Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- Be secured with ties or ear loops
- Include multiple layers of fabric
- Allow for breathing without restriction
- Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change shape
See video of United States Surgeon General demonstrating how to create a cloth face covering.
Information from the Illinois Department of Public Health on wearing a cloth face covering.
Governor JB Pritzker Extends Stay-At-Home Order Through April 30
See Governor Pritzker’s press conferences and COVID-19 press releases.
Click here for the Stay-At-Home Order Frequently Asked Questions.
See State of Illinois list of essential businesses.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s Stay-At-Home Order in effect across the State of Illinois has been extended through April 30, 2020. Residents may leave to purchase essential supplies such as groceries, prescriptions, toiletries, fuel and to go to the doctor. Restaurants will remain open to serve delivery, carry-out and pick-up orders. The Governor’s order, intended to slow the spread of COVID-19, requires all non-essential businesses to close. Essential services that will still be operational and that will remain open include but are not limited to:
- Grocery stores
- Gas stations
- Pharmacies
- Police stations
- Fire stations
- Hospitals, clinics and healthcare operations
- Garbage/sanitation
- Public transportation
- Public benefits (i.e. SNAP, Medicaid) hotlines
- Landscaping firms
- Construction firms; construction projects may continue
For more information, see Frequently Asked Questions and the Stay-At-Home Order from the Governor’s Office. See more information from the State of Illinois. The Governor’s Office has created an email address, Gov.COVID19stakeholder@illinois.gov, where citizens may send questions, comments and recommendations.
Skokie Health Department Monitoring Situation
Skokie Health Department staff, with assistance from numerous other Village departments and divisions, continue to work hard on Skokie’s COVID-19 response. Each day, Skokie Health Department staff are in contact with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). An inter-disciplinary, internal team of Village department and division managers meets regularly to review information updates and plan the Village’s continued COVID-19 response.
More cases are expected in the community. The Village has planned and is prepared for this. All appropriate control measures are being taken, including contacting individuals who might have been exposed.
The Skokie Health Department is working closely with Skokie Hospital, the IDPH and other community partners to investigate all cases. Due to confidentiality requirements, no additional information about specific cases of COVID-19 will be provided. The community is encouraged to continue following all of the hygiene protocols and social distancing protocols
The Village of Skokie has canceled all advisory board and commission meetings through the end of April in order to limit exposure to and spread of COVID-19. Skokie Health Director Dr. Catherine Counard gave an overview of the Village’s COVID-19 response at the April 6, 2020 Village Board meeting, and Human Services Director Beth Lindley gave a report on how staff has been routinely contacting elderly residents and taking other steps to reach out to the community during this challenging time. View the April 6, 2020 Village Board meeting.
Useful Links
Please watch this video with helpful information about the COVID-19 virus.
Read previous coronavirus information updates from this page.
CDC Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Illinois Department of Public Health
COVID-19 Information in Arabic, Chinese, English, Korean, Polish, Russian, Spanish and Urdu
Read SkokieNews email newsletters from February 28, 2020 to present.
- Symptoms
- How it Spreads
- Prevention
- What to Do if You Are Sick
- What to Know if You Call 9-1-1
- Advice on Wearing a Cloth Face Covering
- Travel Information
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. Symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
Symptoms may appear 2–14 days after exposure. According to the CDC, recent evidence indicates that up to 25% of people with COVID-19 infection may not have symptoms and can still spread the disease. It is very important that you stay home, even if you feel well.
The virus is thought to spread primarily from person-to-person
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet)
- Via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes
- These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
At this time there is no specific vaccine to prevent COVID-19 or antiviral treatment for COVID-19, however, the CDC recommends these preventive actions to take to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Put distance between yourself and other people (social distancing)
- The importance of social distancing – quote from Dr. Robert Redfield, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “First, I’d like to thank all the Americans and all the people in our nation that have taken this to heart and really practice aggressive social distancing. Secondly, for those that are still on the sidelines, I’d like to tell them now’s the time to really embrace this. This is not just a little recommendation on a piece of paper. This is a very powerful weapon.”
- 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 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
- According to the CDC, new evidence indicates that wearing a homemade cloth mask when out in public may decrease the spread of COVID-19, by limiting spread from people who are infected and have no symptoms to others.
If you have a fever or cough, you might have COVID-19. Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home. Keep track of your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), please call your physician or contact the NorthShore University Health System community health hotline at 847-432-5849.
If you do not have a physician, please contact one of Skokie’s partner healthcare agencies serving uninsured and underinsured Skokie residents. See the list of providers here.
From the CDC:
If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19, follow the steps below to care for yourself and to help protect other people in your home and community.
Stay home except to get medical care
- Stay home: Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and are able to recover at home without medical care. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.
- Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing, or have any other emergency warning signs, or if you think it is an emergency.
- Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
Separate yourself from other people in your home, this is known as home isolation
- Stay away from others: As much as possible, you stay away from others. You should stay in a specific “sick room” if possible, and away from other people in your home. Use a separate bathroom, if available.
- See COVID-19 and Animals is you have questions about pets.
See NorthShore University Health System COVID-19 information.
Questions regarding COVID-19 also may be directed to the Illinois Department of Public Health by calling 1-800-889-3931 or emailing.
From the Skokie Fire Department:
“Tips for calling 9-1-1 to protect the community and first responders”
Protecting the community and our first responders is paramount during the COVID-19 outbreak. Our 9-1-1 dispatchers will be asking the following questions of any caller requesting a service that requires face-to-face contact.
• Does the patient or anyone on the scene have a fever, cough, or trouble breathing?
• Has the patient traveled outside the United States or had close contact with someone who recently traveled outside the United States and was sick?
• Has anyone been exposed to an individual known to have or suspected of having COVID-19?
• Has anyone on-scene tested positive for COVID-19?
• Do you have a surgical mask available? - If someone is coughing, you may be asked to put a surgical mask on that person if they can tolerate it.
We are asking our residents to review these questions with everyone in their household now. Knowing the answers ahead of an emergency will make it easier to recall should the need arise. Please respond honestly to the questions, as they help our first responders take appropriate actions and wear proper personal protective equipment to avoid exposure when they respond. Keeping our EMS/Fire/Police personnel healthy will help us keep the Village of Skokie safe!
See video of United States Surgeon General demonstrating how to create a cloth face covering.
Information from the Illinois Department of Public Health on wearing a cloth face covering.
CDC Now Recommends Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19
CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, such as grocery stores and pharmacies. CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure. Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cloth face covering without assistance. The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.
How to Wear Cloth Face Coverings
Cloth face coverings should:
- Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- Be secured with ties or ear loops
- Include multiple layers of fabric
- Allow for breathing without restriction
- Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change shape
The CDC provides recommendations when deciding to postpone or cancel travel. These are called travel notices and are based on an assessment of the potential health risks involved with traveling to a certain area. A list of travel notices is available on the CDC website.
- Village Service FAQs
- Fire Department FAQs
- Local Shopping FAQs
- Being A Good Neighbor FAQs
- Assistance FAQs
- Community Info FAQs
- Business and Professionals FAQs
- All FAQs
- How can I make a cloth face covering to wear in public?
- Why was the ambulance crew wearing special gear when treating my neighbor?
- I heard that mixing a few household cleaners is good to disinfect against COVID-19. Is this true?
- Can I donate personal protective equipment, like face masks?
- Is the water quality safe?
- Is it true that Skokie parks are closed?
- How can I stay connected to the Skokie Public Library?
- How can I participate in the Skokie Spirit Shines Through campaign?
- What can I do to help my neighbors and the community?
- Is my landscaper allowed to start working?
- Where can I report price gouging?
- Is the water quality safe?
- How have Village services been impacted?
- Why was the ambulance crew wearing special gear when treating my neighbor?
- Can I donate personal protective equipment, like face masks?
- How can I participate in the Skokie Spirit Shines Through campaign?
- What can I do to help my neighbors and the community?
- How can I support small businesses in Skokie during this crisis?
- Is there a list of Skokie restaurants and businesses that are open and offering carry-out, delivery or curbside service?
- Do any businesses offer special shopping hours for seniors?
- Is it true that Skokie parks are closed?
- Are Village meetings and events canceled?
- The Village of Skokie has declared a State of Emergency. What does this mean?
- Is the water quality safe?
- I heard that mixing a few household cleaners is good to disinfect against COVID-19. Is this true?
- Where can I turn for financial assistance?
- Is food available to those in need during this crisis?
- Can my landlord show my apartment unit during the stay-at-home order?
- Where can I report price gouging?
- How can I stay connected to the Skokie Public Library?
- Is my landscaper allowed to start working?
- Is there special information for childcare centers, including home daycare operations?
- Is there special information for dentists, orthodontists and other oral care professionals?
- How can I stay informed?
- The Village of Skokie has declared a State of Emergency. What does this mean?
Village of Skokie Resources for Skokie Businesses
Support Skokie Skokie Businesses Open during COVID-19 Crisis
Businesses
Federal Level Assistance
- US Small Business Administration Loans
- US Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Program
- US Small Business Administration Lender Match Program
Lender Match is a free online referral tool that connects small business with participating SBA-approved lenders
State of Illinois Level Assistance
- IDES Unemployment Benefits for employees
- State of Illinois COVID-19 Small Business Impact Survey
- IDES Unemployment Insurance
Non-Profit Assistance
Corporate Assistance
- Grubhub suspends commissions for independently owned restaurants needing delivery service
- Free Xfinity Wifi Hotspots
- Facebook announces grant program for small businesses impacted by COVID-1
Information
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- State of Illinois Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response
- Illinois Department of Public Health
- IDPH Hotline: 1-800-889-3931, dph.sick@illinois.gov
- Governor’s Office COVID-19 Legislative Briefing
- NorthShore University HealthSystem; Community Health Hotline, 847-432-5849
- CCDPH COVID-19 Hotline: 708-633-3319, ccdph.covid19@cookcountyhhs.org
Financial Assistance
Niles Township is offering emergency financial assistance to residents who are experiencing financial distress from COVID-10. More information here.
The Village’s Human Services Department offers resource information on financial and emergency assistance towards rent, mortgage, utilities and food. Click here to apply. For information, please call 847/933-8208.
Domestic Violence Assistance
Governor Pritzker reminds all that Stay-At-Home can be even more challenging for those that are a victim or live in fear of Domestic Violence.
Need Help Now?
Domestic Violence Helpline:
1-877-TO END DV or 1-877-863-6338 (Voice)
The hotline is toll-free, confidential, multilingual, and open 24-hour.
Internet/Phone
Comcast Xfinity is offering free WiFi hotspots across the country for anyone who needs them, including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit xfinity.com/wifi. Comcast is also offering Internet Essentials free to new customers. New customers will receive 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service, which is normally available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month. More information and services can be found at corporate.comcast.com.
Food Services
Niles Township Government is distributing additional groceries to parents or guardians of children who usually receive free and reduced lunches at their schools.
Additional information on needed donations also is available on the Niles Township Food Pantry Facebook page.
Interested in volunteering at the Niles Township Food Pantry? Click here.
Senior Shopping Hours and Delivery Services
See a list of Skokie grocery stores and pharmacies that offer delivery service. Some are offering curb-side pickup and senior-only shopping hours.
See Illinois Retail Merchants Association list of senior shopping hours.
Click here for information on the Niles Township Food Pantry that is offering special supplemental food distribution for pick up only.
Digital Library Access
From the Skokie Public Library:
We may be temporarily closed, but we’re still here to help! Here are some of the ways that you can use the library from home.
Don’t have a library card? We can email you a library card number so that you can use all of our online resources. No need to come in! Just fill out the online application and we’ll be in touch.
Businesses
Federal Level Assistance
- US Small Business Administration Loans
- US Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Program
- US Small Business Administration Lender Match Program
Lender Match is a free online referral tool that connects small business with participating SBA-approved lenders
State of Illinois Level Assistance
- IDES Unemployment Benefits for employees
- State of Illinois COVID-19 Small Business Impact Survey
- IDES Unemployment Insurance
Non-Profit Assistance
Corporate Assistance
- Grubhub suspends commissions for independently owned restaurants needing delivery service
- Free Xfinity Wifi Hotspots
- Facebook announces grant program for small businesses impacted by COVID-19
For Residents from Other Communities
The Skokie Health Department serves Skokie residents, and suggests that residents of neighboring communities contact the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) for assistance:
CCDPH COVID-19 Hotline
- Effective Thursday, Mar. 19, 2020
- Call 708-633-3319
- Hours of operation: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday
- Direct the public here for the most up to date information
CCDPH COVID-19 Email
- Effective Thursday, Mar. 19, 2020
- Direct the public to email questions to ccdph.covid19@cookcountyhhs.org
- Hours of operation: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
- This is another option for obtaining the most up to date information
Domestic Violence Assistance
Governor Pritzker reminds all that Stay-At-Home can be even more challenging for those that are a victim or live in fear of Domestic Violence.
Need Help Now?
Domestic Violence Helpline:
1-877-TO END DV or 1-877-863-6338 (Voice)
The hotline is toll-free, confidential, multilingual, and open 24-hour.
JCFS Chicago has a warm line for people who want emotional support (non-urgent). The phone number is 855-275-5237, and the line is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Practical Thoughts on Coping through Coronavirus
- Take care of your body. Get enough sleep, keep your usual routine as much as you can, eat healthy meals and limit alcohol consumption. Maintain a regular routine of personal hygiene.
- Keep moving. In spite of the disruption of your routine, try to find ways to maintain one. Use cardio and yoga videos on YouTube or home DVD’s. Stand up and walk around frequently.
- Minimize information overload. The information about COVID-19 is changing quickly, it is hard to stop watching, but it creates a constant flow of stress running through our bodies. Try choosing one or two times each day to catch up on what you need to know and then shut it off.
- Prepare. Sometimes people don’t behave rationally when a crisis occurs, such as hoarding toilet paper. We all want to do something when we feel powerless. Be informed by a sound source, like the CDC or the Skokie Emergency Preparedness tips to guide your actions. Action helps reduce anxiety.
- Reach out, be a helper. In Governor Pritzker’s press conference last week, he said “All of us have a part to play. Be a helper.” A wonderful way to feel better is to help someone else feel better, or safer or calmer. Look for ways to help others, exchange phone numbers with your neighbors, and agree to check in with each other, help each other with shopping or food delivery. Consider safe ways to help through your neighborhood connections like Facebook and NextDoor. Technology and a fast society have isolated us from our neighbors. Now is the time to support each other in safe and healthy ways—our health care and government entities are not equipped to do it for us.
- Connect. With your friends and family and reach out to those who may be isolated. Technology is a wonderful tool. Call, text, face time, video chat, swap funny videos on snap chat. Stay in touch with your friends and family who live out of state and have a plan on how to reach each other quickly for urgent reasons. This is the perfect time to reach out to a family member that you haven’t spoken to in a long time—they will appreciate it and benefit from the connection.
- Make “Lemonade”. Find ways to make good use of this time. Try a new recipe, watch a new television series, meditate, walk your dog, read one of the books piled up next to your bed. If you run out of books, the Skokie Public Library has put together digital resources to help you.
- Reach out. Which means many things. It may be as simple as saying aloud that you feel overwhelmed, to a trusted friend or loved one. Thinking together will help you both. The act of sharing can help calm your nervous system.
Adapted from Gretchen Rubin, Author of “The Four Tendencies”
From NorthShore University Health System:
Feeling anxious about COVID-19? Supporting your own mental health.
Feeling anxious in this time of uncertainty is normal for everyone and working in the healthcare environment can cause additional stress. While we cannot expect to eliminate all anxiety related to what is going on, focusing on what you can control can help. Here are some ideas:
Rely on quality sources of information.
Make sure that the information you are getting is from a reliable source. Here are a few:
NorthShore’s COVID-19 Online Resource Center
Illinois Department of Public Health
Centers for Disease Prevention and Control
Limit social media time and overexposure to the news.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, setting boundaries with your phone and social media can help quell anxiety. If you are feeling overwhelmed by constant updates or find yourself checking your phone multiple times an hour, try to set limits to give yourself a break from the constant barrage of information. Daily updates from a reliable source will be adequate to tell you what steps you need to take to be safe. There is evidence that taking these steps can help improve stress levels.
Find the positives in social distancing:
What have you been wanting to accomplish at home?
Start a project you have been thinking about, catch up on reading, binge watch a favorite TV show, try a new recipe, learn a new skill online.
If you get to spend time with family, focus on the positives of this opportunity.
Look for positive stories of hope and humanity
Follow a positive newsfeed such as:
https://www.sunnyskyz.com/good-news
Keep a gratitude journal or use a gratitude app.
Connect with others in positive ways:
Virtual book club
Face time in groups with friends
If you are inclined, connect with your faith community or spend time in prayer
Share stories of positive behaviors and teamwork with others
Thank the people you are working with for all they do
It is OK to acknowledge your anxiety to yourself and to others
Give yourself permission to imagine that if the worse happens – and you get COVID-19, that it can be handled and you will be OK. It is true that most people who get COVID-19 survive without sequelae (an aftereffect of a disease, condition, or injury).
Sharing your fears can help them seem more manageable. Anxiety is about the unknown – but if there is fear try also to make space for hope.
Remember that the world is better off because of you.
We are all thankful for your caring and commitment and please know that you are making a difference every day. Find peace and joy in the meaning of your work. It is at times like these that the meaning of our mission and vision becomes real. Thank you for all you do!