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 April 30th.
  • 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

Mayor Website

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

Illustration: woman sneezing on man


  • 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.


Take steps to protect yourself

Illustration: washing hands with soap and water

Clean 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.
Illustration: Woman quarantined to her home

Avoid close contact





Take steps to protect others

man in bed

Stay home if you’re sick



woman covering their mouth when coughing

Cover coughs and sneezes



  • 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.
man wearing a mask

Wear a facemask if you are sick



  • If you are sick:  You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
  • If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.

cleaning a counter

Clean 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.