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April 9, 2021
Openlands Lakefront Safety Warning
On Tuesday, April 6, explosive materials were found on the shoreline at the bottom of the bluff at Openlands Lakeshore Preserve. Openlands is taking steps to ensure public safety by alerting the public and working with the military.

In the interim, please keep off the bluff and lakefront until an investigation is complete. Temporary fencing and signage will be installed along the blufftop and at the authorized entrance to the lakefront. The paved blufftop trail and ravine trail will remain open at the present time. 

Please be sure to remain on the trails at all times and do not pick up any items found on the trails. If you encounter any unknown materials, call 911. Do not attempt to handle anything that may be dangerous.
COVID-19 Updates
City Vaccination Clinic Serves Over 600 Eligible People
On Thursday, April 8, the City hosted a COVID-19 vaccination clinic in partnership with Jewel-Osco Pharmacy. Over 600 seniors, high-risk and other eligible individuals were served at this clinic. The City greatly appreciates the hard work of everyone involved in planning and executing this event, especially our partners at Jewel-Osco pharmacy, the Highland Park Public Library, and the Park District of Highland Park. Click here to view more photos. The City will continue to advocate for additional pop-up vaccination opportunities in our area.
Beginning next Monday, April 12, vaccine eligibility will expand to all Illinoisans over the age of 16. As a reminder, anyone living or working in Lake County may register with AllVax. Once eligibility expands, demand will continue to far exceed supply. Please use the websites below in addition to AllVax in looking for appointments.
Vaccination Appointment Locators
  • 833.621.1284 (available daily, 6 AM to midnight; TTY accessible)

Capt. James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center
  • Availability expanded to all current VA and TRICARE patients enrolled for care at Lovell FHCC, age 18 and older. Call 224.610.3899.
Although demand for the COVID-19 vaccine continues to far exceed supply, state and county public health officials expect supply to increase. Appointment openings may become available quickly. Register with the Lake County Health Department at allvax.lakecohealth.org.
Vaccinations for Homebound Seniors
Homebound seniors may now call the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center to be added to the homebound vaccination list! LCHD teams are beginning vaccinations for homebound seniors this week. To add yourself or a senior in your life to the list, contact the AllVax support center at 847.377.8130.
COVID-19 Testing in Highland Park
Free COVID-19 testing will be available on Fridays through April 16, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM at the downtown Highland Park Metra Station (1700 St. Johns Avenue.) COVID-19 testing is provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health. A doctor's referral is not required. You do not need to be experiencing symptoms to be tested. Learn more at cityhpil.com/testing.
COVID-19 News
Update from Highland Park Hospital
As we mark the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, let us take a moment to reflect on past challenges and future hope.

We’ve all been affected by the pandemic; no one among us has been left untouched by this terrible virus.

Some of us have lost loved ones, friends, and colleagues to COVID-19.
We experience the loss of our daily routines at work and at home, recognizing the way we are accustomed to interacting with one another has changed dramatically.

We experience a sense of isolation.

We feel fearful and anxious about not knowing when the pandemic will end.

Many have been impacted financially.

Let us take a moment of silence, to acknowledge and honor all that has been experienced and lost during this past year.

At the same time, we take heart, acknowledging in the wake of tragedy, we, as a human family, have great capacity for remarkable resilience and growth.  

We are truly grateful to the Highland Park and Highwood communities for all of the support shown to the healthcare team at NorthShore and to vulnerable neighbors in our community. Thank you.

For the most up-to-date information, visit NorthShore.org.

The City greatly appreciates the partnership of NorthShore Highland Park Hospital in sharing these biweekly updates for our eNews.
CDC Guidelines on Vaccine Side Effects
The CDC has issued guidance for care following COVID-19 vaccination. While many people will not experience side effects after vaccination, CDC states that these are normal signs of the body building protection and should resolve in a few days. CDC recommends familiarizing yourself with side effects before vaccination. Please note that CDC does not recommend taking any over-the-counter medication to prevent side effects. Learn more about possible side effects and post-vaccination care.
Telephone Scams Increase
With more people staying home due to COVID-19, especially seniors, telephone scams are on the rise. Sheriff John Idleburg and Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart reported that scammers might pose as government officials or pretend to represent familiar companies.

The Sheriff's Office has offered suggestions for those who receive unsolicited, unknown phone calls. If you did not initiate the telephone conversation:
  • Do not provide any personal information.
  • Do not tell callers when you leave your residence.
  • Document the number you were called from and any information about the call.
  • Report the incident to your local law enforcement agency as soon as possible.
  • If you don’t recognize the telephone number, don’t answer the call.
  • If you are unsure of a caller’s identity, ask for their name and callback number, then hang up and verify their information via the Internet or telephone book.
  • If a caller is asking for someone who isn’t currently home, simply tell the caller they can’t come to the telephone (as opposed to informing the caller you could be home alone).
  • Don’t give identifying or personal information to anyone over the telephone, unless the identity of the person you are speaking to has been confirmed.
Dept. of Health & Human Services Launches COVID-19 Community Corps
As part of the national We Can Do This campaign, HHS has launched the COVID-19 Community Corps. The Corps is a nationwide, grassroots network of local voices and trusted community leaders to encourage vaccinations, with more than 275 founding member organizations that have the ability to reach millions of Americans. This effort will mobilize health professionals, scientists, community organizations, faith leaders, businesses, rural stakeholders, civil rights organizations, sports leagues and athletes, and Americans from all walks of life to become leaders within their own communities to help get friends, family, and neighbors vaccinated.

As part of this community-driven strategy, HHS unveiled new social media profile frames so Americans can display their choice to get vaccinated and encourage their friends and family to do the same, increasing confidence and uptake as vaccines become more available. The profile frames feature the "We Can Do This" slogan.
Bill Payment Assistance from
North Shore Gas
North Shore Gas is offering credits of up to $500 as part of bill-payment assistance to its residential customers facing hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new assistance is the result of collaboration between Illinois gas and electric utilities, the State of Illinois, consumer groups, and other stakeholders. It was approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Assistance is offered in the form of a one-time credit on customer bills, along with other support to help pay bills.

Customers who may be eligible for the new assistance will receive a letter with additional details from North Shore Gas in April. More information is available at northshoregasdelivery.com or 866.556.6004. 
COVID-19 Resources