Northbrook Schools Are Closed Til April 7

Press release from Northbrook District 28:

March 20, 2020

We will provide updates as soon as possible on the community impact of Governor Pritzker's recent shelter-in-place order.

On Friday, March 20, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced a statewide “Stay At Home” order that takes effect on Saturday, March 21 at 5 p.m. until the end of April 7. Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the order.

Governor Pritzker stated that throughout the duration of this order, citizens can leave their homes to visit the grocery store, pharmacy, or medical facilities, all of which will remain open. Citizens can also pick up food from carry-out restaurants, get gas, and go outside to exercise or to walk the dog as long as they continue to practice social distancing.

Extension of School Closure

Districts 27, 28, 30, 31, 34 and 225 will remain closed through at least April 8 as ordered by Governor Pritzker. The governor indicated that the State will support our districts in their efforts to continue to provide meals to qualified students.

Relaxed Opens Meetings Act Regulations

As public agencies, we continue to operate to serve our citizens and operate in a manner that is safe for all. To that end, the Governor relaxed the Open Meetings Act. As a result, you may see some of our boards, commissions, and committees meet remotely. Directions to join virtual meetings can be found on our respective websites.

Updates on COVID-19 Cases

Given that our facilities are restricted, if not closed, at this time, we will not send out information for every confirmed case of COVID-19. We will, however, do our best to inform the community when cases impact our ability to deliver core services. The county health department tracks contacts of those diagnosed with COVID-19. If the department determines that you had direct contact with someone who is diagnosed with COVID-19, they will contact you directly with instructions.

Additional information on the number of confirmed cases is available from official sources such as the Cook County Department of Public Health, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). You also can visit the State of Illinois’ dedicated coronavirus website.

Collaboration & Resources in Our Community

The Glenview/Northbrook COVID-19 Task Force continues to meet as we remain updated and coordinate our responses. We recognize the stress that this situation is placing on our community, and on each of you individually. One area of our collaboration is to find or develop resources to support individuals, families, businesses and other organizations within our community.

To that end, Glenbrook Hospital has joined our coalition to ensure we are closely connected to local health resources and to provide expert counsel on the most effective public health response in our community. The hospital’s frequently updated online resource about COVID-19 will be linked on the Glenview Northbrook Coronavirus Response website.

Many of our caring citizens are seeking ways to provide support during this time. One organization that needs help, so it can serve others, is the Northfield Township Food Pantry. They need both:
Donations, and Volunteers

We’ve included the information about their needs on our website. Every volunteer hour and every donation directly helps your neighbors in need across Northfield Township.

Supporting Local Businesses

The Northbrook and Glenview Chambers of Commerce are developing promotions to encourage community members to shop at local businesses whenever possible.

The Glenview Chamber created this list of businesses that are open and offer services for our socially distanced world. The Chamber has deemed Thursday as "Takeout Glenview Night," to encourage you to order out or buy a gift card to use any night.

The Northbrook Chamber has also created a list of restaurants offering take-out, curbside and delivery service. The Chamber is working on sharing updated information through the Northbrook Shopping Elf Facebook page and the Live Shop Dine Northbrook mobile text program.

Resources for You

Please continue to take care of yourself and your family, and don’t hesitate to ask any of us for help. Here are a few articles to help you frame your discussions with small children and teens as well as coping strategies for families and those working from home:

• Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource (National Association of School Psychologists)
• How You and Your Kids Can De-Stress During Coronavirus(PBS Kids for Parents)
• How to Stay Productive While WFH (Forbes)

This press release was produced by Northbrook District 28. The views expressed here are the author’s own.