Northwestern University Reports 1st Confirmed Coronavirus Case

EVANSTON, IL — A staff member at Northwestern University's business school has tested positive for the new coronavirus, becoming the institution's first confirmed case of COVID-19, university officials announced Friday.

The infected staff member, who works at the Kellogg School of Management's Evanston campus, is self-isolating off-campus, according to Craig Johnson, Northwestern's senior vice president for business and finance.

Business school leadership and Northwestern medical teams are tracing the employees recent close contacts and asking people to self-isolate according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocols for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus strain, and university policy.

The announcement of Northwestern's first confirmed coronavirus case came the same day university leaders issued restrictions on all group gathering of 50 people that do not allow for appropriate social distancing. Access to recreational facilities was also suspended.

The university previously announced a plan to extend spring break and shift to remote learning. Northwestern students will not be required to attend in-person final exams.

"The health and well-being of our community is Northwestern’s top priority. If you are sick, stay home from work or classes. Symptoms of COVID-19 include a fever (above 100.4 degrees), coughing and difficulty breathing," Johnson said. "Please take care of yourselves as we continue to navigate this dynamic situation."

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According to Evanston Mayor Steve Hagerty, a patient who tested positive for COVID-19 after attending church services in Evanston was admitted to Evanston Hospital earlier this week, but no Evanston residents were among the confirmed cases of the virus.

Hagerty emphasized the importance of taking measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus to prevent it from pushing the healthcare system beyond its capacity.

"If we make no changes to our daily lives, the virus may overwhelm our healthcare system, leaving doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals in a dire situation, coupled with the potential for supply shortages," Hagerty said. "I know that may seem overblown in a community with no known cases yet, but virtually all medical professionals concur that it will spread and that these measures must be taken by all of us, to protect all of us."

"Each of us needs to do what we can to keep ourselves and our fellow Evanstonians healthy," Hagerty said in a letter to the community. "Now, maybe you’re thinking, 'I’m young, I'm healthy, I don't need to worry.' Statistically, that’s true. But I want you to think about your grandparents, parents, guardians, beloved aunt or uncle, neighbor, or anyone over the age of 60; those most at risk, along with others whose immune or respiratory system is compromised."

To counter the spread of the virus, Hagerty asked every member of the community to work to reduce the stress on the health care system by practicing good hygiene and social distancing. Volunteer medical and non-medial professionals may also join the Evanston Medical Reserve Corps to support the city's health department and emergency personnel.

"Please understand that if we successfully adopt the strategy above, we will contribute to 'flattening the curve,'" Hagerty said. "As a result, lives in our community for those most at-risk will be saved from illness or more serious complications. While we may not know every person saved, realize they could be our parents, grandparents, child, friend, or neighbor."

Hagerty took questions from residents in a video streamed to social media Friday afternoon:

Related:
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Illinois Colleges Move Online, Extend Spring Break To Combat Coronavirus

While emergency and public works services will continue as normal, Evanston city staff Friday announced the below temporary service changes in response to coronavirus:

Morton Civic Center

Residents are encouraged to complete all City business online, when possible. The Civic Center will be open in a very limited capacity.

City Collector's Office - The City Collector's Office will be closed to in-person transactions until further notice. Residents are encouraged to make payments online at cityofevanston.org/how-to/make-a-payment, or may contact the Collector's Office Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., to receive assistance. To contact the Collector's Office, residents should call/text 847-448-4311. A payment drop box is also located just west of the Morton Civic Center.
Building Permits - Residents are encouraged to submit building permit requests electronically by emailing permitdesk@cityofevanston.org. Paper submissions can be dropped off in bins located outside of the Permit Desk located on the third floor of the Morton Civic Center. Customers will receive an email with instructions after their permit has been reviewed and is ready for pickup.
General and Emergency Assistance - General and Emergency Assistance services will have reduced hours and will operate Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. After 2 p.m., residents will have the availability to process applications over the phone at 847-448-8112. On Fridays, the office will be closed, but phone assistance will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Early Voting - Early voting will continue at the Morton Civic Center through Monday, March 16. Hours on Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15 will be extended from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. There have been several changes to Election Day polling locations. Residents should visit the Cook County Clerk’s Office website to find their Election Day polling location.
Property Tax Assessment - The City’s Property Tax Assessment Review Office has canceled all scheduled one-on-one meetings, but can assist residents over the phone or online. Residents who need assistance should contact 847-448-4311.

Parks, Recreation and Community Services

All Parks, Recreation and Community Services programs, including preschool programs have been canceled through Sunday, April 12. All recreation community centers will be closed until further notice beginning Monday, March 16; however, facilities will remain open for food distribution programs only.
The Levy Center and Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center's Congregate Meal Program will continue to provide meals to seniors in to-go containers for pickup only.
Free, cold breakfasts and lunches will be served to youth ages 1 to 18 years old at locations throughout the city on weekdays, from Monday, March 16 through Friday, April 3. Both breakfasts and lunches will be distributed from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the following locations: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, Robert Crown Community Center, Kamen Park East Fieldhouse, and Mason Park.

Library

All locations of the Evanston Public Library will close at 6 p.m. on March 13 and will remain closed through at least April 12. Any materials checked out from the Library currently, including Most Wanted books and Wi-Fi Hotspots, will have a new due date of April 13. Staff will work from home and questions may be sent to the library at epl.org/ask-a-librarian/.