Mayor Nicholas J. Helmer's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Mayor Nicholas J. Helmer has taken proactive measures to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus

  • Mayor Helmer has closed the lobby of City Hall through May 31st.
  • Non-essential City meetings have been canceled.
  • Utility bills can still be paid online, by mail, or dropped off in the green mailbox at City Hall.
  • Vehicle stickers can still be purchased online, by mail, or dropped off in the green mailbox at City Hall.
  • Mayor Helmer has extended the deadline to purchase vehicle stickers and pet licenses until May 31st.
  • Mayor Helmer advises all residents to shelter in place and not to leave their homes unless it is absolutely essential.

Mayor’s Emergency Declaration

Your Mayor, Nicholas J. Helmer

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First Responders in Need of COVID-19 PPE Donations

The State of Illinois has started to collect information from potential donors of personal protective equipment. The following donations are needed:

  • Masks: N-95; Earloop; Surgical
  • Gowns: Isolation; Non-Descript
  • Gloves: Nitrile; Sterile; Surgical
  • Eye Protection: Face Shields; Goggles
  • Infection Control Kits
  • Hand Sanitizer (any size)
  • Disinfectant Wipes (any size)
  • Thermometers (forehead only)

All items should be in the manufacture’s original packaging and unopened. Unfortunately, we cannot accept open product or homemade items. We recommend you contact your local first responders (Police, Fire, EMS) to see if they can utilize your items.

If you have a donation, please email us! Please include the quantities of each you have on hand to donate along with your address so we can determine best drop-off point. We will then be in touch about the next logistical steps.

Email us your donation information.

To find out other ways to help during COVID-19 response, please visit www.Serve.Illinois.gov.

We are doing our part in preventing the spread and we hope you will too!

Help decrease the spread of Coronavirus in your workplace, homes, and schools. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has provided common sense guidelines to help people to decrease the spread of the Coronavirus. Information about Coronavirus and recommendations on preventing the spread of this illness is available below:

Click here for Mayor Helmer’s Press Release

Know How it Spreads

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  • There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
  • The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
  • The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
    • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
    • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
  • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
  • Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

Everyone Should

protect-wash-handsClean your hands often


  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
protect-quarantineAvoid close contact


cloth-face-coverCover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
  • You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
  • Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.
    • Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
  • The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
  • Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
  • Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.

COVIDweb_06_coverCoughCover coughs and sneezes


  • If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
  • Throw used tissues in the trash.
  • Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
COVIDweb_09_cleanClean and disinfect


  • Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
  • If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

To disinfect:
Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.

Options include: 

  • Diluting your household bleach.
    To make a bleach solution, mix:
    • 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
      OR
    • 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

  • Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.

  • Alcohol solutions.
    Ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol.
  • Other common EPA-registered household disinfectants. 
    Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens pdf icon[7 pages]external icon claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).