Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso Pens Coronavirus Update Letter

Press release from the Burr Ridge Police Department:

As was reported by me on Friday, COVID-19 cases continue to increase in Burr Ridge. Today, it went up five from Friday to 181, a 14-day increase from 150 on July 28 of 31 cases. Positivity for Region 8 dropped to 4.5% from 4.6% while suburban Cook is holding at 5.7% positivity. The Cook County health board started a new dashboard static about percent of change over 14-day period.

The Cook side of Burr Ridge has had a downward change of -20%. For Region 8, hospitalizations and ICU bed availability continue to hold very steady. Positivity rates over the past two days statewide have been an unwelcome 4.7% and 4.4%. However, in Burr Ridge we again appear to be holding steady on new cases relative to 14 days ago with our region’s hospitalizations, beds and ventilators all down or holding steady. There appears to be no stress on our region’s healthcare systems.

One of our Burr Ridge residents asked if I could state that although new infections are rising in numbers, those who recover are now immune and effectively vaccinated. Here’s the problem with that line of conversation, first, I’m not a doctor and not qualified to make that statement, so I won’t. I did call a friend who is a board certified infectious disease doctor in our community and put the question to the doctor. It is my understanding from that conversation that theoretically, the premise follows logically: if you are infected with COVID-19 and recover, you should be immune. That premise has not been scientifically proven, and even then, for how long are you immune? As they say, the jury is still out. Wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, and keep your distance – even if you are a lucky “recoverer” – probably another pandemic term we will be hearing.

If you are a Burr Ridge resident and need masks, please call the Village Hall (630-654-8181). They are freely available for any resident. I have noticed older persons routinely wearing masks, even when social distancing, but too often younger, “invincible” people not wearing them. That trend improved recently as I’ve noticed more millennials masking. I like that: “Millennial Masking”

If you need or want a COVID-19 test in Burr Ridge, please note that Burr Ridge Middle School will host be a testing site in the Village. You also can get a test at our Metro Infectious Disease Consultants’ testing facility, 901 McClintock Drive in downtown Burr Ridge.

The Board will meet August 10 via Zoom, with the option to come to the boardroom. There is limited socially distanced seating there. Trustees that wish to attend in person in the boardroom may do so. Plexiglas barriers separate each seat on the board dais. The meeting begins at 7:00pm; residents can listen to the meeting on the Village YouTube channel here. Here’s hoping you and your family are enjoying these summer weekends. I leave you with an August thought…

"Learning how to be still, to really be still and let life happen – that stillness becomes a radiance.” – Morgan Freeman

SOCIAL DISTANCING – WASH HANDS - WEAR PROPER FACE COVERINGS

This press release was produced by the Burr Ridge Police Department. The views expressed here are the author’s own.