Originally published on abc7chicago.com 04/15/2020

 

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced a coronavirus alternative housing program Wednesday morning.

 

Preckwinkle was joined by county health and emergency management officials for the news conference at the Cook County Building.

 

"Through a phased plan, beginning with suburban Cook County residents who tested positive for COVID-19, those who may be recovering well but remain in need of housing as they continue to improve outside of a hospital's care, these folks will have an opportunity to stay in temporary housing identified by EMRS," Preckwinkle said.

 

Those who qualify for the program include the homeless, housing insecure and those who do not have a separate room and bathroom to safely isolate at home.

 

The announcement comes after Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced last week measures to protect homeless in Chicago, including finding temporary housing for vulnerable shelter residents.

Today, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle was joined by Cook County’s Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS) to announce the distribution of thousands of personal protective equipment (PPE) to south suburban first responders.

 

The announcement, made at the County’s Emergency Operation Center (EOC) in Oak Forest, is a continuation of the County’s efforts to distribute the essential equipment to emergency responders during the COVID-19 crisis.

 

“I am deeply grateful to our first responders and emergency workers who are on the frontlines of this crisis and selflessly devoting their expertise every day,” said President Preckwinkle. “We must ensure these emergency workers continue to have the resources and equipment needed to protect themselves while performing their duties. I am proud of the hard work the Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security has done in distributing this essential protective equipment to municipalities across the County.”

Natural discoveries

Sheltering in place is hard. Although we know and agree that the strategy to #stayhomesavelives is working, it is also a little weird to be home for so long and to be fearful of human interaction that used to be so normal for us. Still what gives me hope is seeing people celebrating their relationship with nature near and far.

 

Hitting the trails by bike

I've been biking a lot since we've gone remote. Cycling is a good way to get exercise while sheltered in-place because you can ride alone or in small groups, and it is easy to maintain physical distance. When on your bike, recommended physical distance is 6 feet to either side and 12 or more feet ahead and behind depending on your pace.

 

Walking the neighborhood

Walking has always been my favorite form of exercise and way to experience the outdoors. Humans, I believe, are designed to move, not to be stationary. Yet many of us spend our days largely not walking much at all.