Darien Cuts City Hall Hours

DARIEN, IL — Because of the coronavirus, Darien City Hall reduced its hours starting Tuesday until further notice. It will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Its normal hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"Our police, public works and city staff will continue their efforts to serve and meet the needs of Darien's residents," Mayor Joseph Marchese said in a statement late Monday.

Darien had already canceled the State of the City address planned for later this month because of recommendations against meetings in large groups so as to slow the spread of the virus.

Marchese asked residents to be mindful of their elderly neighbors, offering assistance with grocery shopping, running of errands and taking care of any needs they may have.

The mayor gave the advice others are giving — practice good hygiene, remain at home if you're sick and keep nonessential contact with others to a minimum.

But he had another tip — limit the news you read and watch. "Much of the alarm we have seen in other communities comes from, in part, the overwhelming news coverage of the negative impacts of the virus," he said.

He urged residents to rely on sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and the Illinois Department of Health.