Above / PN’s file photo looking toward Ss. Peter and Paul was taken from the observation deck of Moser Tower, one of several recommended views that will appear on a clear day when the city’s icon opens again for tours. Moser Tower with its 72-bell carillon is located along the Naperville Riverwalk at the base of Rotary Hill.
March 30, 2020 / COVID-19 Community Update
In recent weeks, the City of Naperville has received many requests from residents wanting to know how many people in Naperville have tested positive for COVID-19. As that information is collected and maintained by public health agencies, it has not been immediately available to City staff. Therefore, we have been unable to provide verified information to our residents about the status of the virus in our community.
DuPage County
Today, we received word from the DuPage County Health Department that as of 4PM today, March 30, there are 29 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among Naperville residents residing in DuPage County’s jurisdiction.
This information comes from a new online COVID-19 dashboard maintained by the health department that lists the number of confirmed cases by municipality. Up to this point, the county had only reported cases on a county-wide basis.
Will County
The Will County Health Department also has a tracking system available online for confirmed county-wide cases. At this time, a break-down by municipality is not readily available, but City officials will pass along confirmed Naperville-specific information for the part of our community that falls within Will County as it becomes available.
According to health officials, communities should expect that the number of positive cases is likely much higher than any numbers being reported because of unreported or untested cases. The City of Naperville encourages Naperville residents to continue to abide by the statewide stay-at-home order and to practice social distancing whenever it is necessary to go out in public.
Residents are encouraged to visit the City of Naperville’s COVID-19 Resources webpage [www.naperville.il.us/coronavirus-resources] regularly for City-specific information and updates related to Naperville’s COVID-19 response.
March 26, 2020 / How Residents Can Help
As the Naperville community works together to prevent further spread of the COVID-19 virus, many are stepping up to aid essential workers, businesses and neighbors in need.
In an effort to centralize inquiries and manage donations being offered to our police, fire and other City departments, the City is requesting that anyone with items or services to donate email NapervilleClerks@naperville.il.us or call (630) 305-5340. Once staff receives your message, we will reach out to you to verify that the product can be used and to provide drop off instructions. Acceptable donations may include services, safety items, or food via the Naperville Helps! campaign.
The Naperville Kindness Network offers a stream of verified initiatives for those who need help as well as concrete ways that people can offer help. Residents or businesses seeking assistance and those looking for volunteer opportunities are encouraged to visit www.facebook.com/NapervilleKindnessNetwork/ to learn more.
Support local restaurants, Dine Naperville
The Naperville Helps! GoFundMe® campaign is managed by the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Naperville Alliance in conjunction with Naperville-area restaurants. 100% of funds (excluding GoFundMe® standard fees) are used to purchase meals from Naperville-area restaurants to be delivered to Edward-Elmhurst Health as well as the Naperville Police and Fire Departments. A donation to this fund supports Naperville’s frontline workers as well as our local businesses who need patronage during this difficult time.
Give the gift of life
Giving blood is especially important during times of crisis, and the COVID-19 situation is no exception. Blood donations are allowed under the stay at home order and special precautions are being taken to maintain social distancing and sanitation requirements. If you are healthy and able to give blood, please consider donating. To schedule an appointment, visit donate.illinois.versiti.org/donor/schedules/city.
For more information, please visit www.naperville.il.us/coronavirus-resources.
March 25, 2020 / Executive order attempts to provide cash-flow relief to residents and businesses during COVID-19 response.
City leaders have long been committed to helping the City achieve financial stability. Their strong financial principles have driven City-wide decision making and put the City on strong financial footing.
Today, City leaders are using Naperville’s solid financial position and reserves to attempt to provide some relief to residents and businesses that may be struggling as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. The latest executive order issued by Mayor Steve Chirico extends a number of payment deadlines with the hope that the additional time to pay will provide cash flow relief to residents and businesses during these uncertain times.
The City is waiving late fees for non-payment of utility bills through March, April and May 2020 and has suspended water and electric service disconnections for non-payment for both residential and commercial customers.
Additionally, the executive order extends:
- all currently issued tobacco licenses that were set to expire on April 30, 2020 and suspends the renewal process and any late fees;
- the deadline for food and beverage tax payments for March, April and May 2020;
- the deadline for hotel and motel tax returns for the reporting period starting on the first day of January;
- the deadline for payment of taxes related to local gas sold in February, March and April 2020;
- the billing schedule for commuter parking fees for the second quarter.
The executive order also delays the payment deadline for parking tickets issued between March 6 and April 7.
For more details on any of the above provisions, please see the full executive order posted at www.naperville.il.us/coronavirus-resources.
Submitted by Kelley Munch, Communications Specialist, for the City of Naperville.
