Contact Information

Cook County Department of Public Health

Report a Case: 708-633-4000, press 1

Coronavirus Hotline: 708-633-3319

Coronavirus Email: CCDPH.COVID19@cookcountyhhs.org

Coronavirus Updates: Text “ALERTCOOK” to 888-777

Illinois Department of Public Health

Coronavirus Hotline: 800-889-3931 

Coronavirus Email: DPH.SICK@illinois.gov

Coronavirus Updates: Text “COVID” to 312-500-3836

For emergencies, call 9-1-1
 

CCDPH Plans to Lift Mitigation Order 2021-11

Effective Monday, February 28, the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) plans to lift Mitigation Order 2021-11 in alignment with the State of Illinois and City of Chicago. Lifting Mitigation Order 2021-11 would mean:

• Masks will no longer be required in all indoor public places for the general public. Masks will continue to be required in certain settings as required by federal or state order or CDC guidelines (healthcare settings, public transportation and transportation hubs, congregate care settings).
• In the settings covered by Order 2021-11 (those where food or drink are served for on-premises consumption and health and fitness centers): proof of vaccination for patrons in these businesses will no longer be required AND proof of vaccination or weekly testing for employees covered by the Order will no longer be required. 

Read more here. 

CDC Expands Booster Shot Eligibility and Strengthens Recommendations for 12-17 Year Olds

Updates to Village Services & Meetings

Village Services

Village departments offer many services that can be conducted online, by email, or by phone, including the following:

Administrative Hearings

• The Administrative Hearing scheduled for January 14 is postponed to February 18.
• Submit questions about Administrative Hearings by email to administrative.hearings@northbrook.il.us or by phone at 847-664-4022.

Development & Planning Services

• Schedule inspections by phone at 847-664-4050.
• Use the new online system to apply for the following permit types: fences, driveway removal/replacement, and water heater replacements.
• Call 847-664-4066 for zoning inquiries and questions about your property.
• Call ahead for other services at 847-664-4050 or email permits@northbrook.il.us.

Finance

• Pay water bills online or over the phone with no extra charge at 844-753-9379.
• Pay parking tickets online.
• Purchase a new vehicle sticker or pet license with the online form. Mail the application with payment and include the rabies certificate if purchasing a pet license.
• Learn more, apply for, or check your balance for the Taxi Program online. 
• For water-related questions, contact the Water Department directly by phone at 847-664-4171 or by email to water@northbrook.il.us.
• As usual, payments are accepted through the mail or in one of the Village's payment drop boxes: behind Village Hall (1225 Cedar Lane); at the Northbrook Police Station (1401 Landwehr Road); and at Wood Oaks Junior High (1250 Sanders Road)

Fire

• Call 847-664-4494 for ambulance billing questions or to pay an ambulance bill.
• Call ahead to pay and schedule a permit pick-up (fire prevention permits – alarms, sprinklers, special suppression) at 847-664-4500.

FOIA

• Submit FOIA requests by email to foia@northbrook.il.us.

Police

• Apply for the House Watch Program by phone at 847-664-4180.
• File a new alarm permit or renew an existing one online.
• For non-emergency situations, call 847-564-2060. For emergencies, call 911.

Public Works

• The Public Works Center at 655 Huehl Road and the Fleet Maintenance Garage at 1227 Cedar Lane (behind Village Hall) are closed to the public but still providing all services. During normal business hours (7am-3pm), call 847-272-4711 for assistance.
• Report an issue (pothole, out streetlight, leaking hydrant) online with GONorthbrook.
• Learn about upcoming construction projects and submit a question online with GONorthbrook.
• Submit tree removal applications by email to treeremovalapplication@northbrook.il.us.

Out of an abundance of caution, the following meetings are canceled or altered to meet virtually:

Plan Commission - Canceled
Tuesday, January 4, at 7:30pm

Ad Hoc Downtown Committee Meeting - Virtual
Tuesday, January 11, at 6pm
Watch the live streaming here, on Facebook live, or on Cable Channel 17. AT&T U-verse customers tune to Channel 99 and search "Northbrook."

Regular Board of Trustees Meeting - Virtual
Tuesday, January 11, at 7:30pm
Watch the live streaming here, on Facebook live, or on Cable Channel 17. AT&T U-verse customers tune to Channel 99 and search "Northbrook."
 

Illinois Vax Verify System Now Offers SMART™ Health Card Vaccination Verification

New updates to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Vax Verify immunization portal now includes use of the SMART™ Health Card.  The SMART™ Health Card allows users to download a QR code, which individuals can use to easily confirm a their COVID-19 vaccination status at businesses, events, and other locations.  Vax Verify is an online system that allows Illinois residents 18 years and older to check their COVID-19 vaccination record.  Vax Verify can be accessed at https://idphportal.illinois.gov.
 
The QR code can be downloaded or kept in Apple Wallet and presented for COVID-19 vaccination verification.  Businesses wanting to verify vaccination status can download the Commons Project SMART Health Card Verifier App on Apple AppStore and Google Play store.
 
 The verification system follows best practices to protect confidential health information.  In order to download proof of vaccination, residents will go through a brief, one-time identity verification process to gain access to their immunization history.
 
 After the verification process, individuals can see their own record in the Illinois Comprehensive Automated Immunization Registry Exchange (I-CARE).
 
 Immunization records are kept confidential and only the individual, or the individual’s parent or guardian if the individual is younger than 18 years, can access their vaccination history.  Some individuals with very common names will need to take additional steps to securely prove their identities.
 
Go to vaccines.gov or call 1-800-232-0233 to find COVID-19 vaccine locations near you.

Illinois Department of Public Health Centralizing COVID-19 Contact Tracing

As we head into 2022, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is working to centralize COVID-19 contact tracing efforts in order to get information about isolation and identifying close contacts to infected individuals as soon as possible during times when cases are surging, and to decrease the burden on local health departments across the state. Effective December 28, 2021, all positive cases entered into the State’s data systems associated with a cell phone number will receive an automated text message from IDPH.  The initial outgoing text will read:

IDPH COVID: There is important info for you. Call 312-777-1999 or click: https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/community-guidance/confirmed-or-possible-covid-19.html

Individuals who call the number in the text will be considered as “opting in” for an interview.  Public health officials will prioritize case investigations for individuals who are 65 years and older and are at higher risk of severe illness, per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations.  This population will receive an additional text message if the individual does not respond to the initial message.

While most confirmed cases will be traced through the State Contact Tracing Surge Center, local health departments will continue to respond to cases in high-risk settings, including congregate facilities.  Local health departments will also be able to see details about cases so they can identify any potential clusters or outbreaks and can request those cases be transferred from the Surge Center for further contact tracing.  Additionally, local health departments will continue to have oversight of schools, daycares, and congregate setting, including assistance with mitigation strategies and outbreak management. 

State Expands Operations at Vaccination Locations and Testing Sites

Governor JB Pritzker has directed the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) to enhance its partnerships with local health department mass vaccination operations throughout the state to help meet the growing demand for the COVID-19 vaccine booster. The State of Illinois is more than doubling personnel and adding at least 100 people to regional sites – administering vaccinations, preparing vaccine doses for clinic personnel, and doing data entry.  

Additionally, starting the week of January 3, the state’s free Community Based Testing Sites will begin operating six days a week to increase COVID-19 testing availability across the state.  

Cook County residents can make a vaccination appointment at https://vaccine.cookcountyil.gov/. Other locations in Illinois are as follows:

• DuPage County: https://www.dupagehealth.org/667/COVID-19-Vaccine  
• Lake County: https://allvax.lakecohealth.org/s/?language=en_US  
• Will County: https://willcountyhealth.org/vaccine-locations/  
• Kane County: https://kanevax.org/  
• St. Clair: https://www.co.st-clair.il.us/Departments/Health-Department/COVID-19-Information/Vaccination-Screen  
• McLean County: https://health.mcleancountyil.gov/790/COVID-19-Vaccine  
• Sangamon County: https://scdph.org/  
• Peoria County: www.pcchd.org  
• Winnebago County: https://www.wchd.org 
• Jackson County: https://jchdonline.org/  
• Adams County: https://www.co.adams.il.us/government/departments/health-department/covid-19-vaccination-information   

Anyone age 12 and older who is in need of a first or second dose may also utilize a State of Illinois free clinic. While adults have the ability to mix-and-match their booster vaccine, 16- and 17-year-olds are only authorized to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech booster.   

If you are unable to attend one of these mass vaccination booster clinics, you can visit vaccines.gov to find a clinic near you.  

As people gather indoors with family and friends for the holidays, state and local health officials urge residents to continue practicing preventive public health measures: vaccinations, booster shots, wearing masks, avoiding large crowds and social distancing where possible all remain our most effect tools for fighting COVID-19.  

Cook County Department of Public Health Announces New COVID-19 Mitigation Measures

On December 23, 2021, the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) announced new COVID-19 mitigation measures to protect against the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. These mitigation measures apply throughout suburban Cook County and will align the County and the City of Chicago. Referred to as a Vaccine Requirement, the following new mitigation measures began January 3.
 
On January 3, CCDPH amended the mitigation order to include an exemption for youth athletics and recreation taking place in facilities where food and drinks are not served. For more details, read CCDPH's FAQ.

Mask Mandate Continues
All Businesses and Individuals:
• Indoor mask mandates remain in effect regardless of vaccination status.
• 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.
• Masks may be removed at restaurants, bars and other eating/drinking establishments by patrons when they are actively eating/drinking while stationary.
• Physical distancing of six feet should be maintained where feasible.

New Vaccine Requirements

 At 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. Exemptions: Individuals entering an establishment for less than 10 minutes for ordering and carrying out food; making a delivery; or using restroom facilities.
• 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 this 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 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.

Indoor settings where food or drink are served for on-premises consumption, and health and fitness centers include but are not limited to:
• Indoor dining establishments, including bars, breweries, wine / spirit tasting rooms, restaurants, private clubs, country clubs, banquet halls, dining areas within any public business that is ancillary to the main business (cafes within grocery stores, other retail, etc.) coffee shops, food courts and food halls;
• Event spaces, including hotel ballrooms and commercial event and party venues and nightclubs.
• Recreation and entertainment venues in areas where food or beverages are served, including movie theaters, live performance spaces, skating rinks, adult entertainment venues, bowling alleys, play spaces, family entertainment centers, billiard halls, and venues for card playing; and
• All indoor settings for recreation and exercise, including health clubs, gyms, fitness centers, hotel fitness centers, recreation centers, yoga studios, cross-fit studios, cycling studios, dance studios, fieldhouses, boxing and kickboxing gyms, and other facilities conducting group fitness classes indoors.  All sports participants playing indoors should continue to follow the Illinois Department of Public Health Sports and Safety Guidance.

This Order does not apply to:
• Houses of worship and does not limit the free exercise of religion. To protect the health and safety of faith leaders, staff, congregants and visitors, religious organizations and houses of worship are strongly encouraged to consult and follow CDC recommendations for Communities of Faith. Religious organizations are strongly encouraged to take steps to ensure social distancing, and implementation of other public health measures.
• K-12 schools, preschools, and child care centers.
• Indoor locations in a residential or office building the use of which is limited to residents, owners, or tenants of that building.
• Charitable food service establishments, such as soup kitchens.

Public Health Officials emphasize that the vaccine requirement, along with the masking requirement, continue to be a powerful defense against COVID-19. 

Cook County Department of Public Health is requiring the business establishments who are subject to this order to develop and keep a written record describing the protocol for implementing and enforcing the vaccine requirement.

Read the complete order here.

More information is available at https://cookcountypublichealth.org/

CCDPH has indicated their website will be updated soon with information on webinars for businesses, signage and additional information. The Village will monitor the release of this information and share additional details as information becomes available. 

Business patrons are reminded of how much Northbrook’s businesses have done, and continue to do to protect the health of customers and workers. Please be respectful of business employees as they work to comply with Cook County’s Vaccine Requirement.

Residents and those who work in Northbrook are reminded of the extremely high COVID-19 transmission rate that exists currently in Cook County.  Public health officials recommend residents test for COVID-19 before gathering with friends and family for the holidays or if they think they may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

A list of walk-in and drive-thru (or mobile) COVID-19 testing sites, in addition to other testing information, is available at https://cookcountypublichealth.org/covid-19-testing/

Health officials also recommend layering proven COVID-19 mitigation measures, which include limiting high-risk exposures, wearing masks indoors and in crowded outdoor settings and maintaining social distance from people who don’t live in your household.

To make an appointment for a vaccine, please visit vaccines.gov.

CDC Updates Guidance on COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently expanded their recommendations for COVID-19 vaccine booster shots to include 16 and 17 year olds. At this time, only the Pfizer booster is authorized for those under 18. Eligible individuals may get a booster shot either 6 months after their initial Pfizer or Moderna series or 2 months after their initial J&J vaccine. Visit vaccines.gov to find a vaccination location near you. 

COVID-19 PCR Testing at NSYMCA

Sponsored by Curative, the North Suburban YMCA has opened a PCR COVID-19 testing site in their parking lot. Walk-Ins are welcome during open hours (Mon, Wed, Fri: 7am-3pm; Tues, Thurs: noon- 6pm; Sat: 9am-5pm). Register at cur.tv/nsymca.
 
 Once the test is completed, the PCR result is sent to the patient via email and text in 24-48 hours from the time the test arrives at the lab.
 

CDC Provides Guidance on COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strengthened its recommendation on booster doses for individuals who are 18 years and older. Per the CDC, everyone ages 18 and older is encouraged to get a booster shot either when they are 6 months after their initial Pfizer or Moderna series or 2 months after their initial J&J vaccine. The recent emergence of the Omicron variant further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19. Visit vaccines.gov to find a vaccination location near you. 

Cook County Indoor Mask Mandate Effective August 23

The Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) has issued COVID-19 Mitigation Order 2021-10 that requires individuals to wear a face mask in public indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status, effective Monday, August 23, 2021. Key items from the order are outlined below. The full order can be read here.

• Any individual aged two or older and able to medically tolerate a mask is required to wear a mask when indoors in a public place, regardless of vaccination status.
• All businesses open to the public must post signage advising patrons and staff that masks are required to be worn on the premises. Businesses can download printable signage here.
• Masks may be removed at restaurants, bars, and other eating/drinking establishments when patrons are actively eating/drinking.
• Certain exemptions exist for free exercise of religion and government functions.

Masks Required in Village Facilities

As defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Northbrook is within an area of “substantial community transmission” for COVID-19. In accordance with recent CDC guidelines, all visitors are required to wear a mask in Village of Northbrook facilities regardless of their vaccination status. This includes Village Hall (1225 Cedar Lane), the Police Station (1401 Landwehr Road), the Public Works Center (655 Huehl Road), Fire Station 10 (650 Huehl Road), Fire Station 11 (740 Dundee Road), and Fire Station 12 (1840 Shermer Road). 

The safety of the community and Village employees remains our highest priority. We appreciate your understanding and help in keeping those around you safe.

Illinois Enters Phase 5 of Restore Illinois

Illinois is now in Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois reopening plan. Effective June 11, the state has eliminated all capacity limits on businesses, large-scale events, conventions, amusement parks, and all other venues. Mask requirements for vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals continue to align with CDC guidelines. Read the recommended public health guidelines from IDPH here.

COVID-19 Vaccinations Open to Ages 12 to 15

 The Illinois Department of Public Health announced that vaccination locations across the state are prepared to administer the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to individuals ages 12 through 15. COVID-19 vaccinations for those 12 years and older are available at state-supported mass vaccination and mobile clinics, local health departments, pharmacies, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and from other providers who offer the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Get more details here.
  

Suburban Cook County In-Home COVID-19 Vaccination

Please note that CCDPH vaccination sites are ADA accessible, and this program is specifically for suburban Cook County residents who are unable to leave home for medical reasons. Individuals living outside suburban Cook County are not eligible for this program. 

Sign up by calling CCDPH's hotline at 833-308-1988 (weekdays from 7am-10pm and Saturdays from 8am-10pm) or sign up online here. 

To qualify for this program, individuals in suburban Cook County must be a senior or a person with a disability who requires in-home assistance or have to use adaptive equipment (like a ventilator, crutches, a walker, a wheelchair, etc.) and/or accessible transportation to leave home and leaving home is not an option because doing so requires considerable and taxing effort.

Village Church Helping Community Members Find Vaccine Appointments

If you need assistance finding or being transported to a vaccine appointment, the Village Church of Northbrook is offering their services to the Northbrook community. For more information about how the team can help you, fill out the Virus Application Form on the church's website. You may also call the church office at 847-272-0900. Are you an organization helping Northbrook community members with vaccine appointments? Email us here to be added to our list of resources. 

Cook County Website for Community Vaccination Program

Cook County opened a new website where those living and working in Cook County can sign up for updates and submit information to schedule a vaccination appointment when administration expands to their phase. View the website here. Appointments are required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and Cook County Health plans to release new appointments every Friday at noon.

 By signing up, you will receive the following:

• Updates on the vaccine and the Community Vaccination Program
• Notification for when vaccine administration is open to your phase
• Information on scheduling a vaccine appointment through Cook County Health
• Information on vaccine distribution locations throughout Cook County

CCDPH expanded to Phase 1b of their vaccination plan on January 25. Phase 1b includes members of the general public aged 65 and over, police, firefighters, and other essential workers, such as manufacturing employees and grocery store workers. They will continue to prioritize any remaining Phase 1a individuals.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) launched a website page to provide up-to-date progress reports and data on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. View it here. Also available through IDPH's website are vaccine FAQs and more details on eligibility. 

Additional vaccine information is available on CCDPH's website.