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COVID-19

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1. COVID-19 Vaccinations FAQ

See Frequently Asked Questions about the Village’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts.

2. How have Village services been impacted?

March 23, 2020 

Skokie Village Hall and Public Works Temporarily Closed Until Further Notice

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and for the safety of the general public and Village staff, the Village of Skokie is encouraging patrons to conduct Village business online or over the telephone. To limit face-to-face interactions, services provided at Skokie Village Hall and Skokie Public Works will only be available online or by telephone until further notice. Essential Fire, Police, 9-1-1 Dispatch and Public Work services will continue to operate as normal. 

Village services can be completed online via the Village’s website and requests can be submitted through the Access Skokie app or by emailing info@skokie.org. For general Village Hall service questions, please call 847-673-0500, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Please see below detailed information on how to complete various Village services available online or over the phone. Continue to visit the Village website for the latest updates on how COVID-19 is impacting Village services.

All police administration and non-emergency matters for the Police Department should be directed to 847-982-5900.

For emergencies, call 9-1-1.

Village Finance Department
Electronic payments for water bills, business licenses, non-moving violations, certain building permits and Assist-a-Family donations can be submitted on the Village’s electronic online services webpage. The outdoor payment box on the west side of Skokie Village Hall also is available to make payments. Please see below for phone numbers to call for support and to make appointment requests.

• General payment questions: 847-933-8247
• Water billing phone support: 847-933-8418
• Pay-by-phone services: 847-933-8420
• Non-moving violations support: 847-933-8421
• Accounts payable concerns: 847-933-8243
• Local tax collection: 847-933-8243
• Pet licenses: 847-933-8423

Temporarily suspended Finance Department Services:

• Violation immobilizations (Denver Boot) suspended through April 30, 2020
• Late payment fees/penalties and water shut-offs suspended through April 30, 2020
• All new water meter installations suspended through April 30, 2020
• All parking and red light hearings canceled through April 30, 2020

Building Permits
Applications for building permits can only be submitted through online services or by email. The processes for issuing building permits and calling for inspections will continue with no changes. When necessary, paper copies of large-format plans can be dropped-off and plans that have been stamped approved can be picked up by using a specially-marked Building Department drop box on the west side of Village Hall. Permit applications can be submitted by using the following methods:

• For most building permits, go to Skokie Permits. These include interior remodeling, garages, driveways, decks, and swimming pools.
• For smaller jobs, go to Skokie Expedited Permits. These include air conditioners, amplifiers, dumpsters, electrical service upgrades, fences, furnaces, raffles, sewers, sheds, and water heaters.
• For all other permits, please email Building@skokie.org and building staff will respond to your request. Application forms can be found at Skokie Applications.

For general Building, Community Development, Property Standards and Permitting questions, please call 847-933-8223.

Village Clerk’s Office, Transfer Stamps and Passports
Services provided by the Village Clerk’s Office can be accessed online or by calling 847-933-8203. Real Estate Transfer Tax Forms can be accessed here. Completed Real Estate Transfer Tax Forms can be emailed to pramod.shah@skokie.org and payments can be arranged by calling 847-933-8203. Once the payment is made, the Village Clerk’s Office will provide an appointment time to pick up the stamp, or customers may send a prepaid FedEx or UPS label and the stamp will be mailed to them.

Real Estate Transfer Tax Forms also can be mailed to:

Skokie Village Hall
Attn: Village Clerk’s Office
5127 Oakton Street
Skokie, Illinois 60077

Passport services are temporarily suspended.

Village Employment Applications
For employment-related questions or to obtain an employment application please visit the Employment Opportunities page or call 847-933-8212.

In-person Village employment applications will not be accepted. Applications must be sent via email to human.resources@skokie.org or by U.S. Mail addressed to:

Village of Skokie
ATTN: Personnel Department
5127 Oakton Street
Skokie, Illinois 60077

Police
The community is asked to please use these Skokie Police Department electronic and phone services for non-emergency matters:

• To file a police report online, please go to www.skokiepolice.org and click on the “Home” tab. There you will find an option to “File a police report online”; please, click on the link and follow the steps. This method should not be used if anyone was injured as a result of the incident or if the crime is in progress. USE 9-1-1 FOR ALL EMERGENCIES, THIS PORTAL IS NOT TO BE USED FOR IMMEDIATE REQUESTS FOR POLICE SERVICE. 
• Individuals requesting to obtain a copy of a police report, please contact the  Skokie Police Department Records Unit at, 847-982-5932 or email skokiepdrecords@skokie.org.
• Individuals requesting to obtain a copy of a traffic crash report, please go to www.skokiepolice.org and click on the “Home” tab. There you will find the “Crash Reports” tab. Please, click on the “Crash Reports” tab and follow the steps.

Fingerprinting services, solicitation permits, police partnership meetings, tours and all ride-a-long requests have been temporarily suspended until further notice.

We request that the public refrains from visiting the Skokie Police Department for in-person report requests unless they are dropping off documents, signing documents or requested to do so.

Freedom of Information Act Requests
Freedom of Information Act Requests can be completed online. Please call the Village Manager’s Office at 847-933-8210 for more information.

Village Meetings and Events
Non-essential Village meetings will be postponed until further notice. Please see the Village’s website calendar for the latest status of Village meetings and events.

Engineering
Engineering-related requests can be submitted through Access Skokie or by contacting Skokie’s Senior Engineer Russ Rietveld at russ.rietveld@skokie.org.

Public Works
The Village has been notified that the Simple Recycling textile recycling pick up service is suspended until further notice. Recycling/refuse container lid and cart repair also is temporarily suspended.

COVID-10 Information
The Skokie Health Department will continue to share updated information as it becomes available. The Illinois Department of Public Health has established a COVID-19 hotline that residents may call, 1-800-889-3931, and a dedicated email address for inquiries, dph.sick@illinois.gov. Residents also may call the Skokie Health Department at 847-933-8252 with questions about the virus. Please watch this video with helpful information about the COVID-19 virus.

3. Why was the ambulance crew wearing special gear when treating my neighbor?

4. Can I donate personal protective equipment, like face masks?

NorthShore University Health Systems is accepting donations of personal protective equipment and other supplies. Please click here for more information.

5. How can I participate in the Skokie Spirit Shines Through campaign?

Hope - and Skokie’s strong community spirit - are stronger than fear! Please share your hope and community spirit by sending a poster, picture, or brief info on how you and your neighbors are staying connected to info@skokie.org for publishing consideration. Early next week, we will launch a new Skokie Spirit Shines Through! section on the Village website, and will include some stories and photos in the next edition of NewSkokie. Thank you!

Please be a good neighbor during these difficult times. Governor Pritzker has stated, "All of us have a part to play. Be a helper." A wonderful way to feel better is to help someone else feel better, or safer or calmer. Look for ways to help others, exchange phone numbers with your neighbors, and agree to check in with each other, help each other with shopping or food delivery. Consider safe ways to help through your neighborhood connections like Facebook and Nextdoor. Technology and our fast society have isolated us from our neighbors, but technology also offers safe ways to stay connected. Now is the time to support each other in safe and healthy ways.

6. What can I do to help my neighbors and the community?

Take preventive measures
In addition to practicing good hygiene, if a person is exposed to someone who develops the virus, they should take proactive measures to quarantine (self-isolate) themselves from others for 14 days.

Join the Medical Reserve Corps
You can also help protect the health and well-being of our community by joining the Skokie Medical Reserve Corps. The Corps is a volunteer group of medical and non-medical professionals who assist the Health Department. If you’re interested in joining, email Claudia Braden, RN, at the Skokie Health Department.

Donate Blood
Organizations like Red Cross and Vitalant are in urgent need of blood donations.

Reach out, be a helper
Governor Pritzker has stated, “All of us have a part to play. Be a helper.” A wonderful way to feel better is to help someone else feel better, or safer or calmer. Look for ways to help others, exchange phone numbers with your neighbors, and agree to check in with each other, help each other with shopping or food delivery. Consider safe ways to help through your neighborhood connections like Facebook and NextDoor. Technology and our fast society have isolated us from our neighbors, but technology also offers safe ways to stay connected. Now is the time to support each other in safe and healthy ways.

See March 20, 2020 ABC7 Chicago story, "A Skokie Neighborhood is Staying Connected with Window Art Activity."

7. How can I support small businesses in Skokie during this crisis?

See list of Skokie businesses that are open for business, many offering carry-out, delivery and curb-side pickup.

Local businesses are the backbone of Skokie’s economy, and all Skokie residents and businesses are urged to help support one another during this unprecedented event. The importance of local restaurants and businesses cannot be overstated and as such the Village website now features a growing list of businesses that are open. 

Many restaurants and service providers are offering options for alternative delivery and pickup of food, live-streamed and private yoga sessions and more. Please encourage your neighbors, employees, and friends to utilize this resource and check back often as this list will continually be updated. Please also check the Village’s Shop Local Skokie Facebook page and the Downtown Skokie Facebook page for details on what Skokie businesses are offering. 

Please know that much of this information is subject to change, so call ahead to double-check. Thank you for your support of our business community!

From the Skokie Health Department: Thorough sanitation is an on-going part of every food service operation and this won’t change during COVID-19. Skokie Health Department staff have spoken to all Skokie restaurants that remain open for delivery and carry-out food service, and all understand the heightened importance of following proper handwashing and surface sanitation procedures. Those choosing to order food also have a responsibility to follow proper hygiene by thoroughly washing their hands after receiving food and before eating. 

New Senior-Only Shopping Hours:
Jewel Foods, 9449 Skokie Boulevard, Tuesday and Thursday, 7 to 9 a.m.
Target, 4955 Dempster Street, Wednesday, 7 to 8 a.m.

Village staff spoke with the managers of both Jewel Foods on Skokie Boulevard and Target on Dempster Street in Skokie. Both indicated that while there is not a specific minimum age established for seniors, they ask that customers please respect the effort to allow senior citizens and others with underlying health conditions to shop in less crowded conditions. They expressed thanks to the community for cooperating with this request to protect vulnerable residents.

8. Is there a list of Skokie restaurants and businesses that are open and offering carry-out, delivery or curbside service?

See a list of Skokie businesses that remain open. Many offer carry-out, delivery and curbside pick up, and some are offering senior shopping hours, too!

See a map of Skokie restaurants that remain open.

Local businesses are the backbone of Skokie’s economy, and all Skokie residents and businesses are urged to help support one another during this unprecedented event. The importance of local restaurants and businesses cannot be overstated.

Many restaurants and service providers are offering options for alternative delivery and pickup of food, live-streamed and private yoga sessions and more. Please encourage your neighbors, employees, and friends to utilize this resource and check back often as this list will continually be updated. Please also check the Village’s Shop Local Skokie Facebook page and the Downtown Skokie Facebook page for details on what Skokie businesses are offering. 

Please know that much of this information is subject to change, so call ahead to double-check. Thank you for your support of our business community!

From the Skokie Health Department: Thorough sanitation is an on-going part of every food service operation and this won’t change during COVID-19. Skokie Health Department staff have spoken to all Skokie restaurants that remain open for delivery and carry-out food service, and all understand the heightened importance of following proper handwashing and surface sanitation procedures. Those choosing to order food also have a responsibility to follow proper hygiene by thoroughly washing their hands after receiving food and before eating. 

Businesses that have established senior-only shopping hours ask that customers please respect the effort to allow senior citizens and others with underlying health conditions to shop in less crowded conditions. They expressed thanks to the community for cooperating with this request to protect vulnerable residents.

See Illinois Retail Merchants Association list of stores offering special senior shopping hours.

9. Do any businesses offer special shopping hours for seniors?

A number of Skokie businesses, including Jewel Foods on Skokie Boulevard, Mariano’s on McCormick Boulevard, Target on Dempster Street and Walmart on Touhy Avenue are offering special shopping hours for seniors and others with underlying health conditions. 

See a list of Skokie businesses that remain open and that offer special senior shopping hours.

Businesses that have established senior-only shopping hours ask that customers please respect the effort to allow senior citizens and others with underlying health conditions to shop in less crowded conditions. They expressed thanks to the community for cooperating with this request to protect vulnerable residents.

See Illinois Retail Merchants Association list of stores offering special senior shopping hours.

10. Is it true that Skokie parks are closed?

See Frequently Asked Questions about the Skokie Park District’s response to COVID-19.

From the Skokie Park District website:

Due to the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19), all park district facilities, playgrounds and basketball courts have been closed, tentatively through April 7. 

In addition, in order to protect residents and patrons, all Skokie Park District programs have been suspended through April 7, with only essential staff reporting to work.

3.26.20 – Enforcement of park usage guidelines
In cooperation with the Village of Skokie and the Skokie Police Department, police will begin enforcing the Skokie Park District’s policy of non-usage of all park playgrounds and basketball courts.

Per the governor’s “stay at home” order and the park district’s current COVID-19 guidelines for visiting Skokie parks, which include staying at least 6-feet away from others and not using playgrounds or basketball courts, police will be responding to non-emergency calls regarding individuals and groups violating these park district guidelines.

In this difficult time for all of us, please be reminded that police responses to these violations may hinder their responses to emergencies; therefore, everyone’s compliance with these common-sense park guidelines is greatly appreciated.

To report COVID-19 park guidelines non-compliance, please call (847) 982-5900.

For Skokie Park District COVID-19 news and updates, visit www.skokieparks.org.

March 26, 2020 Update  - Enforcement of Park Usage Guidelines
In cooperation with the Park District, the police will begin enforcing the Skokie Park District’s policy of non-usage of all park playgrounds and basketball courts. Per the governor’s “stay at home” order and the park district’s current COVID-19 guidelines for visiting Skokie parks, which include staying at least 6-feet away from others and not using playgrounds or basketball courts, police will be responding to non-emergency calls regarding individuals and groups violating these park district guidelines. In this difficult time for all of us, please be reminded that police responses to these violations may hinder their responses to emergencies. Everyone’s compliance with these common-sense park guidelines is greatly appreciated. To report COVID-19 park guidelines non-compliance, please call (847) 982-5900. For Skokie Park District COVID-19 news and updates, visit www.skokieparks.org.

3.25.20
As part of the Skokie Park District’s current COVID-19 guidelines for those visiting Skokie parks, which include staying at least 6-feet away from others and refraining from gathering in groups, the district has disabled the goals and nets on all park basketball courts. While we want our residents to enjoy Skokie parks, we want them to do so responsibly. We look forward to opening up basketball play for all when things return to normal. Thank you for your patience during this extraordinary time.

3.20.20 – District remains closed due to state "stay at home" order
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker today issued a “stay at home” order for the entire state beginning Saturday, March 21 at 5 p.m. through April 7, 2020. Accordingly, the Skokie Park District will remain closed through April 7. Additionally, per the governor’s order, all Skokie Park District playgrounds and basketball courts are closed.

3.19.20 – Park Usage Guidelines
In this extraordinary time, the Skokie Park District sympathizes with all Skokie residents who rely on us for their outdoor recreational needs. We know that our parks provide a great source of relief for all of our residents – adults and children alike. 

With that in mind, we ask that while visiting Skokie parks, residents and guests please observe Centers for Disease Control COVID-19 guidelines, which include staying at least 6-feet away from others and refraining from gathering in groups. This also means avoiding playdates, picnics, pick-up games, and team practices. Also, per state order, all playgrounds and basketball courts are closed. Finally, and most importantly, if you are not feeling well, please stay home until you have fully recovered.

Thank you for your efforts to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. Together, Skokie residents can limit the impact!

3.16.20 – Future Special Event Cancellations
The CDC recommends that through May 10, organizers cancel or postpone events that consist of 50 people or more. Therefore, the following Skokie Park District spring special events have been cancelled:

Note, ALL programs, classes and events have been cancelled through March 29.

• Breakfast with the Bunny & Egg Hunt – April 4
• Skokie’s Spring Greening Recycling - April 19
• Diamond Dust Softball Tournament – April 25
• Spring Flea Market, Oakton Center – April 25
• Renaissance Festival, Skokie Heritage Museum – April 25
• Weber Showcase – April 26
• Earth Day, Emily Oaks Nature Center – April 26
• Craft Fair at Oakton Center – May 2
• Devonshire theater, music and dance shows through May 10 may be rescheduled or live streamed for ticket holders.

This list will be updated as more information becomes available.

Thank you for your efforts to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. Together, Skokie residents can limit the impact!

11. Are Village meetings and events canceled?

The Village of Skokie has canceled all advisory board and commission meetings through the end of April in order to limit exposure to and spread of COVID-19.  The March 30, 2020 Boards and Commissions Reception is canceled.

12. The Village of Skokie has declared a State of Emergency. What does this mean?

Declaring a local state of emergency is a proactive measure to enhance the Village’s ability to respond to COVID-19.

An internal response team is meeting regularly to review information updates and plan the Village’s COVID-19 response.  The state of emergency declaration provides the Village Manager with increased authority over expenditures and other actions to quickly respond to this evolving situation.

13. Is the water quality safe?

14. I heard that mixing a few household cleaners is good to disinfect against COVID-19. Is this true?

From Skokie Fire Chief Jeffrey Hoeflich:

Dangers of Mixing Household Chemical Cleaners

In a time of uncertainty with COVID-19 amongst us, many of the Village of Skokie’s citizens are seeking ways in which to disinfect household surfaces to limit the spread of COVID-19 and other germs and/ or viruses. There are many social media sources that are encouraging citizens to create their own cleaners by mixing commonly found household cleaners. Though this may seem like a sure-fire way to eliminate household germs and diseases, the mixing of chemicals can produce highly toxic fumes or create an extremely corrosive product. The Skokie Fire Department strongly encourages citizens to refrain from the mixing of household chemicals. The following demonstrates the potentially lethal effects of combining commonly found household cleaning products:

• Bleach + Vinegar = Chlorine gas. This can lead to coughing, breathing problems, burning and watery eyes. Chlorine gas and water also combine to make hydrochloric and hypochlorous acids.
• Bleach + Ammonia = Chloramine. This can cause shortness of breath and chest pain.
• Bleach + Rubbing alcohol = Chloroform. Another highly toxic combination!
• Hydrogen peroxide + Vinegar = peracetic/ peroxyacetic acid. This combination can be highly corrosive.

Always read the caution labels on household cleaning products and keep them in a location away from children and pets. Only utilize cleaning products in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions and never mix household cleaning products despite what you see or hear from social media!

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/keep_family_safe_from_chemicals_flyer.pdf

For further information, please visit the United States Fire Administration (USFA) website where more in-depth information relating to your family’s safety may be found.

15. Where can I turn for financial assistance?

Niles Township is offering emergency financial assistance to residents who are experiencing financial distress from COVID-10. More information here.

16. Is food available to those in need during this crisis?

The Niles Township Food Pantry is offering supplemental food distribution during the COVID-19 emergency. 

See Niles Township website for information updates.

Additional information on needed donations also is available on the Niles Township Food Pantry Facebook page. 

Interested in volunteering at the Niles Township Food Pantry? Click here. Here are photos of volunteers helping at the food pantry during the week of March 16.

17. Can my landlord show my apartment unit during the stay-at-home order?

Yes, but landlords are required to provide two (2) days’ notice per state statute. If you are at home when the showing is scheduled, we encourage that you practice social distancing and wipe down surfaces after the showing is complete. We also recommend that you communicate with your landlord about your concerns and ask them to take precautions.

18. Where can I report price gouging?

Please report price gouging to the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. See the Consumer Complaint online reporting form. 

See more information on price gouging from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office.

19. How can I stay connected to the Skokie Public Library?

Posted on the Skokie Public Library website on March 23, 2020:

With Governor Pritzker’s Stay at Home order, we will keep our building closed through April 7. Many of our collections and services are still available online. Please continue to enjoy the library at home.

We’ll extend all due dates until after we’ve reopened. No need to bring anything back!

Note: the bookmobile will not make stops through April 7 to help stop the spread of COVID-19. 

20. Is my landscaper allowed to start working?

Governor Pritzker’s Executive Stay-At-Home Order allows for contractors and landscapers to operate, as these services are considered essential.

The Village of Skokie has received numerous inquiries about whether landscaping crews are allowed to work during the state-wide stay-at-home order along with complaints about both landscaping and construction work crews not following COVID-19 prevention practices on job sites.

The State of Illinois is stressing how essential it is to practice safe social distancing when on the job or otherwise not at home. These practices are vital for the State of Illinois and every community, including to Skokie, to discourage the spread of COVID-19 and to ultimately prevent the healthcare system from being overrun with needs. The Village of Skokie has issued the Chicagoland Associated General Contractors COVID-19 Recommendations for Job Sites to Skokie-area contractors and landscapers, imploring them to follow the guidelines to stay safe and keep the community safe. The recommendations were initially developed by the Centers for Disease Control, and are now being distributed nationwide.

21. Is there special information for childcare centers, including home daycare operations?

Updated March 25, 2020

The following information is provided as guidance for childcare centers and home daycare operations:

Village of Skokie Emergency Childcare Centers and Childcare Homes Information and Requirements

Illinois Guidance for Emergency Childcare Centers and Emergency Childcare Homes

Illinois Department of Public Health COVID-19 Prevention Guidance Childcare

COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions Following the Mandatory Closures

22. Is there special information for dentists, orthodontists and other oral care professionals?

The Skokie Health Department has been in contact with dentists, orthodontists and other oral care professionals and issued the following information:

Skokie Health Department March 25, 2020 letter to dentists and oral care professionals

IDPH COVID-19 Urgent Request for PPE

Further information is available from:

Illinois State Dental Society

American Dental Association 

23. What about long-term care facilities in Skokie?

How the Village of Skokie is working with long-term care facilities 

The Skokie Health Department has a close working relationship with the six long-term care facilities in the Village.  By ordinance, health department staff members inspect these facilities every other month to enforce State of Illinois regulations - conducting both nursing and environmental health inspections.

In early March, prior to the first case of COVID-19 in the Village, health department staff met with the administrators and nursing directors of the facilities to review the guidance provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). This guidance has been updated regularly since then, and health department staff remains in close contact with all six of Skokie’s long-term care facilities that are strictly following the IDPH guidance to prevent or limit the spread of COVID-19.

Thanks to area hospitals, especially Skokie Hospital and St. Francis in Evanston, there are no barriers to getting COVID-19 tests for long-term care facility residents or staff. For facilities with a case, the health department works closely with the facility, NorthShore University HealthSystem and the Illinois Department of Public Health to ensure a coordinated effort regarding testing, care and notification protocols.

In addition, the health department has provided all of the long-term care facilities with personal protective equipment (PPE) received through the Illinois stockpile.  All of the facilities have reported that they have adequate PPE supplies.  It also is important to note that current IDPH guidance contains requirements for prompt notification procedures by long-term care facilities to residents and residents’ next of kin, guardians or emergency contacts when that resident, another resident or a staff member is diagnosed with COVID-19 or when a resident dies from COVID-19.

“My staff and I are grateful for the necessary medical care and kindness the staff of these facilities is giving to the vulnerable residents who are under their care.  The staff members at each and every facility have been extraordinarily responsive, and they should be commended for their courage in facing this challenging and rapidly changing situation each day,” said Skokie Health Director Dr. Catherine Counard.

24. The Village of Skokie has declared a State of Emergency. What does this mean?

Declaring a local state of emergency is a proactive measure to enhance the Village’s ability to respond to COVID-19.

An internal response team is meeting regularly to review information updates and plan the Village’s COVID-19 response.  The state of emergency declaration provides the Village Manager with increased authority over expenditures and other actions to quickly respond to this evolving situation.

25. How can I stay informed?

Three important ways to stay informed:

Sign up for COVID-19 Alerts when new information is posted on the website.

Subscribe to SkokieNews for email advisories.

Make sure your subscription to the Village’s Smart911 emergency alert system is up to date. Click here for more information.

26. COVID-19 Vaccinations FAQ

See Frequently Asked Questions about the Village’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts.