New Executive Order Takes Effect May 1
Do You Have A Face Covering?
Dear Neighbors,

Beginning May 1 masks will be required when out in public, whether outside or in any indoor public space, including stores.

If you don't have face coverings yet, here are suggestions:

Make your own: Check out our instructions.

Buy them: Many Businesses are now selling masks. Here are just some local businesses making masks. (Know others? Post them to our Facebook page or email yourvoice@ward43.org.)

The CDC provides additional information on mask care and instructions for making your own. Infectious disease expert Dr. Richard Novak explains how masks work and how to care for them in Block Club Chicago.

Please, if you can sew, drop off extra masks to help others at our office on Tuesdays or Saturdays for the City's " Make a Mask, Wear a Mask, Give a Mask" drive.

If you can't sew, then donate generously to Masks for a Safe Chicago to provide face coverings to those in need. This organization has already provided masks for organizations such as Lincoln Park Community Services and Marillac St. Vincent.
If You Are Experiencing Symptoms

The city launched ' Chi COVID Coach ,' a mobile-friendly, web-based app to support residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you think you might be having symptoms, check in with the app--and they will check back with you via text message during your illness with information about what you and others your household should do to limit the spread of COVID-19, help you know how long you need to stay isolated, and provide guidance throughout an isolation or quarantine period. 

Please click Start Coach to begin.
Unemployment Resources for Sole Proprietors, Independent Contractors and Gig Industries

Independent contractors, self-employed individuals, sole proprietors and 1099 workers are now eligible for up to 39 weeks of benefits under the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program in the CARES Act. However, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) emphasized that these individuals must first be denied traditional unemployment benefits to quality for PUA unemployment. The denial letter will be the basis for approval under their subsequent PUA application. For more information, visit the  IDES website .
Make Sure We All Count

The quickest, easiest thing you can do for our community today is to participate in the 2020 census. Only 50% of our Ward has been counted.

Making sure we are all counted is critical to ensuring federal funding for schools, hospitals, behavioral health services, as well as maintaining our representation in Congress.

Help Keep Our Community Clean
  Street Sweeping Update

Please note that the Department of Streets and Sanitation will continue to sweep streets where they can but will not post signs or ticket until next month.  Click here for the May street cleaning schedule. Please take the time to help clear the curb in front of your property. While sweepers will eventually get most sweeping done this summer, it would be helpful to clear debris and clogs to keep the sewers flowing well.
PPE Disposal

Please be mindful of properly disposing your personal protective gear (PPE). Recycling crews are seeing a surge of masks and gloves being placed in recycling carts instead of the trash. Your help is needed to ensure that crew members remain safe and the recycling stream remains clean.

  • Gloves, masks, eye-protection, and gowns are not recyclable.
  • Disposable wipes, paper towels, and tissues are also not recyclable
Make Your Own Green Cleaners

Making your own cleaning products is economical, good for your health, and a great stay-at home activity.

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum has instructions for making your own green cleaning supplies .
Getty Images
Getty Images
San Franciso Chronicle
Remember - everyone can wear a face covering - and look fabulous, too. Send us your photos at yourvoice@ward43.org.
43rd Ward Office Hours: M - F 9 AM - 5 PM 
  2523 N Halsted  |  773-348-9500 |  yourvoice@ward43.org |  www.ward43.org