Covid-19/Corona Virus Information

It is important for the City of Berwyn's residents to be unified in our response to COVID-19. We ask that you refer to the City of Berwyn's Webpage regarding information during this pandemic. You may also refer to the IDPH Webpage and/or the Center of Disease Control (CDC) Webpage Other links are available here in regards to more information on the Corona Virus (COVID-19)

2nd Booster Shots Available / 2nd Vacunas de Referzo Disponible

We are now offering second Pfizer/Moderna booster shots for the COVID-19 Vaccine. 
Ahora ofrecemos segundas vacunas de refuerzo de Pfizer/Moderna para la vacuna contra COVID-19. 

Call us at (708) 788-6600 to make an appointment. Walk-ins will be accepted, but appointments are preferred.
Llámenos al (708) 788-6600 para hacer una cita. se aceptan sin citas previas, pero se prefieren las citas.

Those who are eligible for a second booster are:

• People 50 years or older who received their last booster shot at least 4 months ago.
• People aged 12-49 with underlying medical conditions and received their last booster shot at least 4 months ago

Las personas elegibles para una vacuna de refuerzon son:

• Personas de 50 años o más que hayan recibido su última vacuna de refuerzo hace al menos de 4 meses
• Personas de 12 a 49 años con enfermedades subyacentes y que recibieron su última vacuna de refuerzo hace al menos de 4 meses

Effective: January 3, 2022

Order of the Cook County Department of Public Health

COVID-19 Mitigation  No.2021-11

To see this message in it's entirety, please click here. 

"Whereas, On January 27, 2020, the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services declared that COVID-19, a respiratory illness spread by close contact through respiratory droplets, presents a public health emergency, and the World Health Organization characterized the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic on March 11, 2020."

"Whereas, The Cook County Department of Public Health is the Illinois certified local health department for suburban Coo County, Illinois, with the exception of Evanston, Skokie, Oak Park, and Stickney Township, serving 127 municipalities."

[....]

"NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with the authority delegated to it by the Illinois Department of Public Health pursuant to the Illinois Public Health Act 920ILCS 2305/1.1 et seq.): the Illinois Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law (20 ILCS 2310-15 et seq.): and the Cook County, Illinois, Code of Ordinances (Chapter 38, Article II et seq.), the Cook County Department of Public Health hereby directs and orders:

All Businesses and Individuals:

• Any individual aged two and older and able to medically tolerate a mask shall be required to wear a mask when indoors in a public place, regardless of vaccination status. 
• For the purposes of this Order, indoor public spaces include any common or shared space in: (1) a residential multi-unit building or (2) any non-residential building, including but not limited to retail stores, restaurants, bars/taverns, health and fitness clubs, museums, hotels, personal services, performance venues, movie theaters, commercial buildings, event venues, healthcare settings, congregate facilities, on public transportation and in transportation hubs.
• Mask refers to a complete and tight knit fabric or cloth, or medical mask that is appropriately sized for the individual's face to snuggly cover the nasal openings and mouth without the necessity of being held in place by the individual's hands.
• All businesses open to public must post signage, in a form and size approved by CCDPH, advising patrons and staff that masks are required to be worn on the premises. Such signage must be posted in an area visible to patrons and staff within the establishment.
• Masks may be removed at restaurants, bars and other eating/drinking establishments by patrons when they are actively eating/drinking while stationary. Masks can also be removed for certain activities that require their removal, such as beard shaves or facials.
• Physical distancing of six feet should be maintained where feasible.

Indoor settings where food or drink are served for on-premises consumption, and health and fitness centers:

• Businesses must require any individual 5 years of age and older to show proof that they are fully-vaccinated against COVID-19 with an approved vaccine in order to enter the establishment.
• Businesses must require Patrons age 16 and older to show identification (including but not limited to driver's license, passport, government ID, work or school ID) with information that corresponds to the vaccination proof. 
• Businesses must post signage advising patrons of the vaccine requirement. Such signage must be posted at all entrances to the premises as well as prominently posted in an area visible to patrons and staff within the establishment.
• Businesses may, in the interests of efficiency, allow patrons to provide the required vaccination proof prior to entry, either directly to the business itself or through an intermediary such as an event planner.
• Employees must be vaccinated or must weekly show proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
• Businesses must develop a written protocol providing details for how they will enforce this Order.

[...]

[Amended January 3, 2022]

Joint Statement from HHS Public Health and Medical Experts on COVID_19 Booster Shots

Today, public health and medical experts from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the following statement on the Administration's plan for COVID-19 booster shots for the American people. 

"Recognizing that many vaccines are associated with a reduction in protection over time, and acknowledging that additional vaccine doses could be needed to provide long lasting protection, we have been analyzing the scientific data closely from the United States and around the world to understand how long this protection will last and how we might maximize this protection. The available data make very clear that protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection begins to decrease over time following the initial doses of vaccination, and in association with the dominance of the Delta variant, we are starting to see evidence of reduced protection against mild and moderate disease. Based on our latest assessment the current protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death could diminish in the months ahead, especially among those who are at higher risk or were vaccinated during the earlier phases of the vaccination rollout. For that reason, we conclude that a booster shot will be needed to maximize vaccine-induced protection and prolong its durability.

"We have developed a plan to begin offering these booster shots this fall subject to FDA conducting an independent evaluation and determination of the safety and effectiveness of a third dose of the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines and CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) issuing booster dose recommendations based on a thorough review of the evidence. We are prepared to offer booster shots for all Americans beginning the week of September 20 and starting 8 months after an individual's second dose. At that time, the individuals who were fully vaccinated earliest in the vaccination rollout, including many health care providers, nursing home residents, and other seniors, will likely be eligible for a booster.

"We also want to emphasize the ongoing urgency of vaccination the unvaccinated in the u>S> and around the world, Nearly all the cases of severe disease, hospitalization, and death continue to occur among those not yet vaccinated at all. We will continue to ramp up efforts to increase vaccinations here at home and to ensure people have accurate information about vaccines rom trusted sources. We will also continue to expand our efforts to increase the supply of vaccines for other countries, building further on the more than 600 million doses we have already committed to donate globally.

See see this message in its entirety please visit the CDC Website.

IDPH COVID-19 Testing Sites can be found on the IDPH website.

To Sign up for a COVID-19 Vaccine Please visit myshotcookcounty.com

If you or someone you know is homebound and interested in receiving a COVID-19 Vaccine please call 708-788-6600. This service is provided for Berwyn Residents only.

Covering Your Face Saves Lives, Yours & Mine. 

The 708 Mental Health Board has help for those in isolation during this difficult time. Click here for access to the 13 locally funded agencies in our community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic:

There are consistent actions being taken by multiple agencies for prevention & mitigation of exposure:
-Compliance with CDC, WHO, IDPH, State of Illinois and Federal
-Monitor staff and client temperatures
-Postponement/suspension of services and events
- Consolidating services
-Provide isolation spaces
- Attempt virtual classes/meetings
- Telehealth services and communication by multiple agencies

As this crisis unfolds, and this has been a daily evolution, we continue to modify our efforts to maintain updates to and for our residents.

ComEd Taking Steps to Support Customers - providing resources and payment accommodations for those who may have challenges paying their monthly energy bill.

Click here for more information.

Nicor Gas - Wants to remind you and our customers of energy assistance options available to support those impacted by the COVID-19 emergency. 

These include: 

• The Nicor Gas Sharing Program provides one-time grants to qualified residential customers.
• The Nicor Gas Budget Plan provides a convenient way for customers to plan for and pay their monthly natural gas bill.
• The Nicor Gas' Energy Efficiency Program helps customers manage their costs by lowering out-of-pocket expenses for energy efficiency improvements through rebates...

Click here for more information.

CEDA - COVID-19 Information 
312-795-8948 Information and Referral Helpline

CEDA offers a variety of services to low-income families and individuals throughout the Chicagoland area

Family Support (flyer): 312-795-8948 This program has expanded in order to provide relief to Suburban Cook County communities with additional services. Please see the FsACE flyer for more details.5

Berwyn-Cicero Residents Food Pantry Resources

Catholic Charities - 708-222-1491
1400 S Austin Blvd.  Cicero, IL
Monday & Tuesday (9a-2p) Thursday (2p-6p)

TSA: Templo Laramie Pantry - 708-222-0177 ext. 0
2337 Laramie Ave. Cicero
Tuesday (1p-3p)

St. Leonard Church - 708-484-0015
3318 S Clarence Ave. Berwyn, IL
Tuesday (1p-3p)

CBS Cicero-Berwyn-Stickney Food Pantry: Gethsemene Church - 708-863-4913
1937 S. 50th Ave. Cicero, IL
Tuesday (2p-5:30p)

Beyond Hunger Food Pantry: 1st United Church - 708-386-1324
848 Lake St. Oak Park, IL
1st Wednesday of the Month (6p-7:30p)
2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th Wednesday (3:30p-5p)
Saturdays (9a-12p)

Ebenezer Christian Ref./New Life Church - 708-795-6480
1300 Harvey Ave.  Berwyn, IL
Friday (5p-7p)

The Pav YMCA for Seniors (age, 60 plus) - 708-749-0606
2947 S. Oak Park Ave. Berwyn, IL. Call for Times, please fill out this form for the Shelf Stable Meal Distribution and Senior Choice Market

Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital Veterans Food Pantry - 773-247-3663
5000 5th Ave, Hines, IL 60141 (Auditorium Lobby - Building 9)
Every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Veterans can access the food pantry once per month. Veterans will be asked to provide identification (examples include: VA ID card, DD214 & photo ID, VA appoointment slip & photo ID)

Blood Donations Needed

American Red Cross: In Coordination with the U.S. Food and drug Administration (FDA), the Red Cross is seeking people who are fully recovered from the new Coronavirus to sign up to donate plasma to help current COVID-19 patients. Patients who have fully recovered following a COVID-19 diagnosis may have antibodies in their plasma that can help those with serious or immediately life-threatening COVID-19 infections

Heartland Blood Centers - Versiti: Convalescent plasma donations through Versiti Blood Center to treat COVID-19 patients. 
Versiti is collecting plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients to help treat others diagnosed with the virus. This blood-related treatment - approved by the FDA as an Emergency Investigational New Drug (EIND) -could offer hope to the hundreds of patients who continue to be diagnosed. This treatment would be used by hospitals for the most severely affected patients.

Pet Resources - Our pets are family too

What can I do to prevent COVID-19 from spreading at my worksite?

• All workers should wear a mask at all times in congregate settings, when working with others, or when social distancing is not feasible. *If disposable masks are unavailable, cloth face coverings may be used. See these CDC guidelines on how to create a cloth face covering. 
• All staff should STAY HOME if sick.
• Restrict, as described above, employees if they have a family/household member who is a confirmed or resumed positive (exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms) case for COVID-19.
• Staff should wash their hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, avoid touching shared surfaces.
• Staff should practice social distancing and remain at leas six feet apart.
• Do not allow gatherings of more than 10 people. Use virtual meetings whenever possible.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Fever (temperature above 100.4 degrees F)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• New loss of sense of smell/taste
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle Pain
• Headache

Source: CDC.gov

*FOR UPDATES ON COVID-19 PLEASE VISIT THE CITY OF BERWYN WEBSITE - WWW.BERWYN-IL.GOV

For further information or questions regarding best practices of SAFELY operating your Berwyn business after learning of a positive case, please contact:

Berwyn Public Health District @ 708-788-6600

Cook County Department of Public Health COVID-19 Hotline - 708-633-3319