October 29, 2020
Dear Lake Foresters,
Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me and my colleagues with their thoughts about the new public health mitigation strategies established by the State of Illinois for our region, and Lake Forest.
Our community’s very responsible behavior over the past several months has kept our positivity rates and case counts well below the region’s metrics. Continuing to wear face coverings and physically distancing while outside our homes will help to keep our schools, restaurants and businesses accessible, and other social and recreational activities possible. We hope that the rules announced Wednesday will be short lived.
We share the community’s frustration that while Lake Foresters continue to do our part, we are beholden to changing public health guidance and rules set by the State of Illinois. This latest announcement comes at an especially unfortunate time for our restaurants that have endured so much, and now must prepare for winter. They have created entirely new ways of doing business in the interest of protecting you and your family.
Please continue to show our local business community that we are here for them. Lake Forest has always been a caring and supportive community. Our local businesses need us now more than ever. Please keep shopping local, dining local, and ordering local takeout.
Since the onset of the pandemic, The City of Lake Forest has relied and will continue to rely on the Lake County Health Department to enforce the restrictions set by the State, as that Department has the experience in addressing these types of issues. Lake Forest will continue our compliance-based approach that includes educating our businesses and residents about the State’s restrictions. We remain ready to respond and support local businesses if called upon. We will continue and look to expand support for our business community. Efforts to date include expediting approval processes, accommodating outdoor seating, suspending annual renewals, waiving fees, and providing direct financial assistance.
Please stay responsible and vigilant so that our families, our businesses and our community can minimize the length of these latest restrictions, and remain as safe as possible during these very challenging times.
Thank you,
George A. Pandaleon
Mayor
