Snow Plowing Update:
At 4:30 pm today, Downtown Snow Command removed all trucks from residential streets city wide and positioned them back on the main arterial streets. This is in preparation for another snow event moving across the city. Once they release the trucks back to our Ward Superintendent he will continue focusing on residential streets. Please drive safely.
COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE
Recently, I joined our neighboring Aldermen in advocating for a vaccination site on the Northwest Side of the City. I am happy to report that the Chicago Department of Public Health has agreed to open a vaccination site at Wright College located at 4300 N. Narragansett Avenue and preparations at the site have already begun. It is strongly advised that you contact your primary healthcare provider to discuss scheduling for your vaccination.
Chicago is now in phase 1B of COVID-19 vaccinations. This means Chicagoans age 65+ and specific groups of highest-risk and front-line essential workers will be eligible for vaccination. Please remember, even when you become eligible, it may take weeks to get an appointment. We expect it to take at least through February and March for frontline essential workers and those who are 65+ to get their first dose of vaccine because of limited supply and the number of providers who are able to administer the vaccine. The vaccine will be offered at no cost to all Chicagoans who want it, but patience is needed while vaccine quantities increase.
We will continue to provide updates as they become available to us.
For more information on the city's phased plan for vaccine distribution, please visit:

Vaccine Sign-Up Links






Sincerely,
Anthony Napolitano
41st Ward Alderman
COVID-19 UPDATE 

The State of Illinois has announced that Chicago can move to Tier 1 Mitigations, effective January 23, 2021. These restrictions are the most up to date and take precedence over the industry-specific guidelines if there are points of contradiction.


The following industries or activities may continue operating under the following regulations:
  • Bars and Restaurants: Can reopen indoors at lesser of 25% or 25 people per space. Food must be available at all times in order to offer indoor service. Bars, taverns or breweries without a food license can reopen indoors as long as they partner with a food establishment (e.g., making menus available and allowing delivery, allowing patrons to order from third-party delivery services). Table size limited to no more than four people per indoor table and six people per outdoor table. Indoor events allowed at 25% capacity with no more than 25 individuals, while following indoor dining guidelines.
  • Retail stores: 40% capacity
  • Grocery Stores and Pharmacies: 50% capacity (note: big box store that sell a combination of general retail, groceries and/or pharmacies among other goods must operate at 40% capacity)
  • Places of worship: Limit each indoor space to 50 individuals, while practicing social distancing, or 40% capacity (whichever is fewer). However, special events such as weddings, potlucks, and other community events are limited to 25% capacity with no more than 25 guests indoors and outdoors.
  • Health and Fitness Centers: 40% capacity with no more than 50 people per space; group classes allowed with no more than 15 individuals per group; Locker rooms and showers can remain open if strict and frequent cleaning measures are in place; Close ancillary accommodations, including saunas, hot tubs, and steam rooms, where social distancing is not possible.
  • Personal Services: Limit to 50 individuals or 40% capacity, whichever is fewer. If a service requires the removal of face coverings (e.g., facials, beard trimmings) employee must wear both a mask and eye protection (e.g. face shield, protective glasses). Physical, occupational and massage therapy allowed as deemed necessary by a medical provide.
  • Outdoor Activities: Outdoor museums, performance venues and other outdoor activities can continue at 40% capacity with a maximum of 100 individuals. Group sizes are limited to 10 people or less, with total capacity limited to 100 people, while social distancing.
  • Out-of-School Programs: Indoor group exercise or fitness classes capped at 10 individuals (e.g., dance, yoga). Programs in which participants are primarily seated/stationery may continue in cohorts of up to 15 people (e.g., painting, creative writing, homework help).
  • 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 may remain open at 25% indoor capacity with protective measures in place to ensure the health and safety of the public and staff. See chipublib.org for more details.
Non-essential businesses must be closed to the public between the hours of 11:00 pm and 6:00 am
  • Impact on liquor sales:Bars, restaurants and other establishments with a Tavern or Consumption on Premises-Incidental Activity license can sell alcohol on-site or to-go until 11:00 pm
  • Liquor stores, grocery stores and other establishments with a Package Goods license must still cease alcohol sales at 9:00 pm.
  • Restaurants may continue to sell food via delivery, takeout, or curbside pickup at all hours.
Neighborhoods throughout Chicago have been negatively affected by online, temporary home and room rentals. These online rentals are on the rise and may pose a threat to our community by facilitating pop-up parties and illegal activity. These "hotel-houses" may also have a negative impact on property values. The quality of life in our neighborhoods is paramount and we need your help banning these "hotel-houses" on your block and throughout the 41st Ward.
*CLICK HERE* and find out how you can ban hotel-houses in your precinct.
Chicago Travel Order
 
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 flu vaccine has saved millions of lives. It is safe, effective, and available at no cost citywide at many doctor's offices, pharmacies, community health centers, and flu clinics. 
 CDPH Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D."What will happen this fall and winter is uncertain, but it is likely that there will be both COVID-19 and seasonal flu activity. Getting the seasonal flu vaccination before the end of October is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones, your community and the global community from the flu."
Free Cloth Face Masks

We are offering free reusable cloth face masks. Masks can be picked up Monday through Friday 11:00 am until 2:00 pm at our ward office located at 7442 N. Harlem Avenue. Please enter the parking lot in front of our ward office, stay in your car, and call (773) 631-2241. A representative from our office will bring a mask out to you. Masks will be provided while supplies last.  
Business Resources

Payment Protection Program has re-opened!

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:
  • PPP borrowers can set their PPP loan’s covered period to be any length between 8 and 24 weeks to best meet their business needs;
  • PPP loans will cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures;
  • The Program’s eligibility is expanded to include 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, direct marketing organizations, among other types of organizations;
  • The PPP provides greater flexibility for seasonal employees;
  • Certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their First Draw PPP Loan amount; and
  • Certain existing PPP borrowers are now eligible to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan. 
A borrower is generally eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan if the borrower:
  • Previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses;
  • Has no more than 300 employees; and
  • Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020.
The new guidance released includes:
For more information on SBA’s assistance to small businesses, visit sba.gov/ppp or treasury.gov/cares.


  • Illinois Business Interruption Grants $175 Million still available! *Click Here* for more information including how to apply. 

  • $10 Million Chicago Hospitality Grant Program now available as Part of Emergency Relief Package for Restaurants, Bars and Their Employees. *Click Here* for more information including how to apply.
Expanded Outdoor Seating Permits
 
This new permit has been created specifically for temporary outdoor dining on the public way or private property.
Existing, fully-licensed restaurants and food establishments may apply to temporarily use streets and private property to extend dining space, where proper social distancing and adherence to public health guidelines are observed.
For more information including how to apply click *HERE* 
The City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection's FREE business education workshops are now available as WEBINARS! 
 
To register visit www.chicago.gov/businessworkshops 
 
*SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES* 
 
Our local businesses desperately need our help! Many businesses have made adjustments to accommodate you during this crisis including free delivery and curbside pickup. For more information please contact: 
 
Edison Park Chamber of Commerce 
(773) 631-0063 | melissa@edisonpark.org
 
Edgebrook / Sauganash Chamber of Commerce
(773) 545-9300 | info@escc60646.com
 
Norwood Park Chamber of Commerce
(773) 763-3606 | ATriptow@norwoodpark.org
 
Everyday Edgebrook
info@everydayedgebrook.com
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41st WARD APB was created to provide text alerts notifying residents of changes in ward services and to share important ward information. Although this service is provided by Twitter, you do not need a Twitter account to sign up.
To sign up for text alerts, text follow 41stwardapb to the phone number 40404.  
41st Ward Service Office
7442 N. Harlem Ave.
Chicago, IL 60631
TEL: (773) 631-2241
FAX: (773) 631-2479
EMAIL: ward41@cityofchicago.org

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