-The Great Oz Has Spoken-
-Mental Health Webinar-
-#43 Wears Masks-
Dear Neighbors,

We received the following from the Oz Park Advisory Council:

"The Mayor closed the play ground over two weeks ago. The tennis courts were closed by the Park District because people would not quit congregating in and around the courts. People would not quit congregating on the basketball courts so the Park District put boards on top of the hoops. Players climbed over the tennis fence to play. Players cut the ties holding the boards on the hoops so [Thursday] the Park District removed them.

Do we want the entire park closed to all ? That is where we are headed if park visitors don't behave. Please practice social distancing when visiting the park ."

We all know to heed the word of the great and powerful Wizard.
Should You Get Tested? - A Correction

Last week, we listed some private testing sites in the area. While we think testing should be more convenient and readily available, we received an important note from one of our 43rd Ward doctors that is important to share:

"No one should walk into a testing site without calling first. We need to know that someone with symptoms is coming in so we can best prepare. Anyone who feels they need to be tested should call their own doctor first for instructions. As you mentioned, we cannot test everyone and patients need to be triaged appropriately. For those without primary care doctors, they should call those testing sites first, and then receive instructions on how to keep others safe from them, particularly the medical community that is on the front lines, if they do in fact have COVID. And keep them safe from others in the clinic, in case they do not. Again, crucial need for social distancing at all times."

Thanks, doctor! For most people, the illness is generally mild and can be safely managed at home. If your symptoms are mild and you are not in one of the high risk groups, you will receive the same advice whether you have a test or not. Stay home and isolate yourself from others in your household and please refer to  CDPH’s guidance for individuals who are sick .
Mental Health Webinar
Wednesday, April 15th
10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Zoom Meeting
RSVP Required

Our State Representatives have put together a virtual mental health forum to discuss strategies for staying healthy and well during this unprecedented and challenging time. They will be joined by various experts in the field of mental health, child psychology and tele-heatlh. 

To join this Zoom event, please RSVP using the Google Form linked  here. There is space on the RSVP form for you to submit questions for the mental health experts. Submissions can be acknowledged by first name, or can remain anonymous.
Economic Stimulus Information for
Non - Tax Filers


For those of you in need of COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments who
  • Had gross income that did not exceed $12,200 ($24,400 for married couples) for 2019, and
  • Were not otherwise required to file a federal income tax return for 2019, and didn't plan to

You can provide the necessary information to the IRS easily and quickly for no fee through Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info . The IRS will use this information to determine your eligibility and payment amount and send you an Economic Impact Payment. After providing this information, you won’t need to take any additional action.

Information you will need:
  • Full name, current mailing address and an email address
  • Date of birth and valid Social Security number
  • Bank account number, type and routing number, if you have one
  • Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) you received from the IRS earlier this year, if you have one
  • Driver’s license or state-issued ID, if you have one
  • For each qualifying child: name, Social Security number or Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number and their relationship to you or your spouse

Visit the IRS website for more details.
Changes to CTA Bus Operations

Mayor Lightfoot announced changes to CTA bus operations in an effort to help contain the spread of the Coronavirus. Effective now, buses will primarily use rear-door boarding, except for riders who need to use the ramp. Additionally, buses will be limiting capacity to 15 riders for standard buses and 22 riders on the extended articulated buses. If a bus passes you by, it is likely due to this reason and you should wait for the next bus to arrive. For more details and routes, visit Transit Chicago.
Street Sweeping Update

The Department of Streets and Sanitation will continue to sweep streets but will not post signs or ticket until at least next month. Next week in the 43rd Ward are sections 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, and 6a (parts of Sheffield Neighbors, Lincoln Central and RANCH). If you are in one of these sections, and are able to, please move your vehicle on your scheduled day (south and east sides of the street are normally done on the first day, north and west on the second, but they will be cleaned wherever they find open spots). If you can't move your car, please pull leaves and debris from under your car and sweep it to the corner. Here  is the street cleaning schedule.
#43 Wears Masks

Thank you for sending us photos wearing your masks! Send more and post with the hashtag #43wearsmasks
May the  Good Friday  bring peace and prosperity in your own life and have a Happy Easter,






#43WearsMasks
Coronavirus Resources :

If you have any additional questions, please email:  coronavirus@chicago.gov  or call 312-746-4835

The Doctor Is In: Ask Dr. Arwady. Live-stream by Chicago Health Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D., daily at 11:00 am on  Twitter and  Facebook Live.

Sign up to receive the latest updates on Coronavirus:  https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/VwvbSW5/coronavirus
 
State of Illinois
 
Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
43rd Ward Office Hours: M - F 9 AM - 5 PM 
  2523 N Halsted  |  773-348-9500 yourvoice@ward43.org www.ward43.org