By Ankur Singh

A parent of two students who attend District 99 schools was in contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19. Teachers who had contact with these students were informed. The family is following recommendations from the CDC. However, there have been no confirmed COVID-19 cases in Cicero and at this time the parent and two students are not exhibiting symptoms. People are still being advised to take necessary precautions including practicing good hygiene, staying at home if possible especially if sick and avoiding large crowds.

We are compiling information on how local agencies are responding to the coronavirus pandemic. This information is updated as of March 20, 2020. We will be updating this as more information becomes available. Please feel free to reach out via social media or at info@ciceroindependiente.com with any questions, comments, or tips.

Town of Cicero

President Larry Dominick has established an Emergency Operations Committee that meets every morning and is monitoring and addressing the pandemic. We have requested information on these meetings. Information on how to listen in via teleconference on these meetings will be made available on Monday according to the Town spokesperson. The Water Department will be accepting payments for water bills over the phone and checks will be accepted and can be placed in the dropbox outside Town Hall. No water services will be shut off due to late payments and all late fees accrued during the current period will be waived for the next 8 weeks.

The Town of Cicero Board meetings are closed to the public, but community members can access the meetings through a phone conference line which will be posted in the future.

All Town of Cicero public events are cancelled until further notice, including Easter in the Park and Cinco de Mayo. Community Watch meetings have also been cancelled.Administrative hearings in the courtroom are cancelled. The Town Administration Building, including Police and Fire, most departments such as the Clerk’s office, Collector’s Office, Assessor’s Office, Supervisor’s Office, Water Department, Public Works, Building Department, and others, will continue to provide essential services to the community.

The Health Department continues to offer services by appointment and is checking on all health facilities and local care centers and monitoring issues as they arise.

District 201

As a result of the state mandate by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, District 201 along with public schools across the state will be closed from Monday, March 16 - Monday, March 30.

March 17 - 26: E-learning days
March 30 - April 3: Regularly scheduled spring break
April 6: School will resume, unless further closures are ordered.

In addition, all athletics, activities, and events are cancelled.

Breakfast and Lunch grab and go meals will be provided to all students from 7am - 9am and 11am - 12:30pm from Tuesday, March 17 - Friday, March 27. Pick up locations can be found here.

More information here.

District 99

As a result of the state mandate by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, District 99 along with public schools across the state will be closed from Monday, March 16 - Monday, March 30.

March 17 - 26: E-learning days
March 30 - April 3: Regularly scheduled spring break
April 6: School will resume, unless further closures are ordered.

In addition, all athletics, activities, and events are cancelled. Breakfast and Lunch will be available to all students. Pick up locations can be found here.

More information here.

Cicero Public Library

The Library is closed until April 5.

All programs and meetings are cancelled and all billing is suspended until May 1. All Due Dates between March 7 and April 30 will be updated to May 1. All holds are suspended and any items already waiting at the library for you will be available when the library re-opens.

You can contact the library at (708) 652-8084 with any questions.

Cicero Community Center

The Cicero Community Center is closed to the public, but continues to offer services by appointment. Tai Chi and Yoga classes are cancelled.

Cicero Health Clinic at the Community Center

The clinic does not currently have capacity to test for coronavirus. People who call the clinic with flu-like symptoms or with questions about the coronavirus will be referred to the Illinois Department of Public Health (800-889-3931). People can also call the Cook County Public Health Department hotline at 708-633-3319 with any questions.

Cicero Senior Center

The Cicero Senior Center is closed to the public, and has cancelled all activities and events. Senior Services continues to offer services, and Senior transportation is operating uninterrupted. To request Senior Services, people can call 708-222-3879.

Morton College

All face-to-face classes are cancelled from March 23 - March 29.

All Adult Education programs are closed until March 30.

The College Library will be closed until March 23.Placement testing and GED testing is postponed until March 30.Support services such as advising, counseling, and disability services will be available online.

All college-sponsored events are cancelled until at least March 30th. The Fitness Center will also be closed.The Panther Pantry will remain open for the community’s increased need for food. In addition, meals can be picked up at a variety of locations found here. Students who do not have internet access at home may be eligible for the Comcast Internet Essentials program.

More information here.