Dear Neighbor,

As a reminder, we are hosting a Paper Shredding and Electronic Recycling Event tomorrow, April 10, 2021, at two locations in the 41st Ward. This is a great opportunity to safely discard your sensitive documents and old / broken electronics. Please note, TV's and computer screens will NOT be accepted. For more information, please see the flyer below.

TV's and Computer Screens will NOT be accepted

The City of Chicago officially entered phase 1c of the vaccine rollout on Monday, March 29th. All essential workers and adults with underlying medical conditions are eligible for COVID-19 vaccines. People in phases 1a and 1b still remain eligible for the vaccine.

While the list of those eligible expands, vaccine supply and appointments are still very limited and patience will be key. Phase 1c will roll out over several weeks, and the vaccine will be offered to all eligible Chicagoans as soon as larger quantities become available. Most Chicagoans in phase 1c will receive the vaccine in April and May.

Currently, vaccination is available by appointment only for eligible individuals. The best way to schedule an appointment is by contacting your healthcare provider. If you do not have a healthcare provider, go to Zocdoc.com/vaccine (the City’s vaccine appointment tool) or Chicago.gov/VaccineFinder to find a vaccine provider nearby.

Seniors and people with underlying medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to severe illness or death from COVID-19 and are highly encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Underlying conditions include : Cancer (current diagnosis), Cardiac, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular disorders (including heart disease, coronary artery disease, and hypertension or high blood pressure), Chronic Kidney Disease, Chronic respiratory disorders (including cystic fibrosis, moderate to severe asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/emphysema [COPD]), Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2), Disability: physical, developmental, visual, hearing, or mental, Neurologic conditions (including dementia), Down Syndrome, Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) including from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or use of other immune weakening medicines, Liver disease (including hepatitis), Pregnancy, Obesity: BMI ≥30 kg/m^2, Schizophrenia spectrum disorders, Sickle Cell Disease, and Thalassemia.

Additionally, as of Monday, March 29, City of Chicago-run vaccination sites will only schedule appointments for Chicago residents, and no children under age 18 will be allowed on site. While government-issued ID is not required, these sites will also require proof of residency – more than 30 different documents are accepted.

The COVID-19 vaccine is free to everyone, regardless of insurance or immigration status. You cannot be denied a vaccine if you do not have insurance.

To access your schedule please *Click Here*

Chicago is in Phase 4. These restrictions are the most up to date and take precedence over the industry-specific guidelines if there are points of contradiction. In all settings, six feet of physical distance must be maintained between different parties. If necessary, facilities should operate a lower capacity to achieve six feet between all parties.

Libraries: Considered an essential service as they support Chicagoans needing support with remote learning, job searching, temporary refuge for weather relief, securing needed benefits and resources. Libraries are open at 25% indoor capacity with protective measures in place to ensure the health and safety of the public and staff. See www.chipublib.org for more details.

Bars, restaurants and other establishments with a Tavern or Consumption on Premises-Incidental Activity license must have all patrons off premises by 1:00 am.

Liquor stores, grocery stores and other establishments with a Package Goods license must cease alcohol sales at 11:00 pm.

*CLICK HERE* and find out how you can ban hotel-houses in your precinct.

In response to the changing dynamics of COVID-19 transmission across the United States, and to support Chicago’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, the City is issuing a Travel Order applicable to anyone coming into the City of Chicago from designated states with a significant degree of community-wide spread of COVID-19. Anyone traveling from a state on the Orange list is directed to obtain a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Chicago or quarantine for a 10-day period (or the duration of their time in Chicago, whichever is shorter).

The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Treasury Department, announced today that the Paycheck Protection Program will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. To promote access to capital, initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13. The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter. Updated PPP guidance outlining Program changes to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility was released on January 6 in accordance with the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act.This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.

“The historically successful Paycheck Protection Program served as an economic lifeline to millions of small businesses and their employees when they needed it most,” said Administrator Jovita Carranza. “Today’s guidance builds on the success of the program and adapts to the changing needs of small business owners by providing targeted relief and a simpler forgiveness process to ensure their path to recovery.”

“The Paycheck Protection Program has successfully provided 5.2 million loans worth $525 billion to America’s small businesses, supporting more than 51 million jobs,” said Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin. “This updated guidance enhances the PPP’s targeted relief to small businesses most impacted by COVID-19. We are committed to implementing this round of PPP quickly to continue supporting American small businesses and their workers.”

Key PPP updates include:

A borrower is generally eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan if the borrower:

The new guidance released includes:

For more information on SBA’s assistance to small businesses, visit sba.gov/ppp or treasury.gov/cares.

For more information including how to apply click *HERE* 

To register visit www.chicago.gov/businessworkshops 

 Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources

*SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES* 

HELPFUL LINKS DURING COVID-19 OUTBREAK   

To sign up for text alerts, text follow 41stwardapb to the phone number 40404.  

WEBSITE: www.chicago41.com