CITY OF ELGIN: Changing How It Will Be Conducting Business in Response to Coronavirus (03/12/2020)

By Press release submission

Mar 17, 2020

City of Elgin issued the following announcement on March 12.

The City of Elgin is implementing changes to its business operations to protect public health and slow the spread of coronavirus. The City continues monitoring the evolving coronavirus situation and working closely with health agencies for information and guidance.

"The safety and well being of Elgin’s residents remains the priority of all City of Elgin elected officials and staff," said Mayor David Kaptain. "We will protect the community to the best of our abilities."

Prohibiting Large Gatherings at City Facilities

The City of Elgin is implementing measures consistent with revised guidelines issued by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Gatherings of more than 250 people at City facilities such as the Hemmens Cultural Center and the Heritage Ballroom are postponed or cancelled until at least the end of March. Smaller events can proceed only if the organizers can implement social distancing of six feet per person, and subject to final discretion by the City. Gatherings of individuals who are at higher risk for severe illness from the coronavirus should be limited to no more than ten people, while also following social distancing guidelines.

Staff is contacting event organizers to discuss options such as rescheduling or refunds.

City public recreation facilities remain open. Users are encouraged to clean equipment before and after use and practice good hygiene and social distancing.

Staff will be reevaluating the need to extend cancellations beyond the end of March.

Suspending Non-Essential Inspections

All non-essential inspections are being suspended until the end of March to limit the public’s and city employee exposure to potentially unsafe situations. Life safety inspections and responses will continue during this time, but with extra steps being taken to ensure public safety. While interacting with the public inspectors are being asked to maintain the Centers for Disease Control recommended distance of six feet from people as much as is practical and when needed will be using face and eye protection. During this time the City will not be imposing missed or rescheduled inspection fees. Specific inspection information is outlined below.

Code Compliance

The division will be suspending interior inspections within homes and apartments, including routine rental license inspections. Interior inspections for life safety issues, like unsanitary conditions or unsafe structures, will still continue but with additional steps to further protect the public health.

Building Permit and Fire Prevention Inspections

Building permit inspections will be continuing as they often relate to fire suppression, electrical, natural gas or safe construction practices. Screening questions to determine if any persons present are experiencing cold or flu symptoms will be asked at the time when inspections are being scheduled. If individuals have been experiencing symptoms, they will be asked to not be present or away from the area during inspections.

Water Meter Upgrades and Installation

Water meter upgrades are being suspended and new water meter installations are continuing. As with all continuing inspections, screening questions will be asked and additional safety and distancing steps will be taken when necessary.

Health Department

Health Department inspections will continue as normal.

Limiting City Employee Exposure to the Public While Maintaining Essential Services

Operational procedures are being implemented to limit City employee exposure to the public while maintaining essential City services.

First Responders and Inspectors

Emergency communications operators are asking screening questions related to coronavirus when handling specific medical calls. Firefighters are using personal protective equipment to limit their exposure when encountering a patient with symptoms of coronavirus.

Police officers, firefighters and all code compliance, building, water and fire safety inspectors are exercising social distancing. These employees will be asking screening questions before arriving at their locations and will be wearing personal protective equipment when necessary.

City Facilities

Hand sanitizing stations with coronavirus information are stationed at all counters where the public interacts with staff. The building maintenance staff is contracting for additional staff to increase the cleaning and disinfection of public facilities including restrooms, kitchens, doors and walkways.

Self-sanitizing wipe stations remain available in fitness center areas with members being encouraged to clean fitness equipment before and after use as a precaution.

The Elgin Fire Department has the capability to treat City facilities with a special disinfectant called “Biomist” when necessary. Biomist sanitizing systems are registered with the FDA as a medical device used by hospitals, pharmaceutical plants and some of the nation’s largest food processors. Biomist takes the anti-microbial power of concentrated alcohol and atomizes it into a non-flammable, penetrating mist that kills pathogens.

What you can do to minimize risk?

Pay your water bill online at cityofelgin.org/waterbill, over the phone or by dropping a check in the drop box outside the City Hall entrance. Municipal parking tickets and code citations can also be paid online at cityofelgin.org/paybill.

Stop the Spread of Germs

The City of Elgin will be continuously monitoring developments and disseminating accurate and helpful information. The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs, such as staying home when sick, washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, following proper respiratory cough etiquette, avoiding close contact with people who are sick and avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Resources

The most accurate and updated information can be found with the following organizations:

Other helpful resources:

The Illinois Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Hotline: 1-800-889-3931 or email
Cook County Health Department
Kane County Health Department
Kane County 2-1-1: Dial 211 to speak with LIVE specialists
Your personal physician is a valuable resource for specific medical questions you may have.

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