Happy New Year from Resume McHenry County – Check out current updates!
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ResumeMcHenry County Update!
Through our collaboration with McHenry County, we will continue to share important information on stimulus programs, COVID-19 updates, and where the county is opening up through ResumeMcHenry County Updates.
Please take a moment to scroll down to see new advancements this week as more and more are opening up in McHenry County. If MCEDC can be of any help, please call. Forward this email to your friends and family to help get the word out!
A BIG change is coming to Visit McHenry County!
Many people see the New Year as a time for new beginnings and changes – and our friends at Visit McHenry County have some exciting ones coming soon!
We’re just as excited as Visit McHenry County to share it with the world, but you’re going to have to wait just a little bit longer. So stay tuned!
C-PACE program helps businesses finance energy efficiencies
If your business is looking for ways to finance energy efficiency improvements, an innovative state financing program may be able to help.
The Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Program, or C-PACE, provides 100 percent long-term, fixed-rate financing for energy efficiency, renewable energy, resiliency, water use and electric vehicle charging building improvements. The financing is repaid through the business’s property-tax bill.
McHenry County was the third county in Illinois to implement a C-PACE program in 2020; there are now 14 counties that do so.
The Illinois Energy Conservation Authority, an Illinois tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, administers McHenry County’s C-PACE program. Visit www.iecaPACE.org to learn more about the program requirements and how to apply.
CDC shortens COVID-19 quarantine to five days
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week shortened the recommended quarantine period for people who test positive for COVID-19 but are asymptomatic from 10 days to five.
The CDC update also shortens the recommended quarantine time to five days for people who are exposed but are vaccinated. Exposed people who also have received the booster and are not symptomatic do not need to quarantine at all under the new guidelines, but should wear a mask for 10 days after exposure to protect others.
The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to receive the vaccine, and to get a booster shot if it’s been more than six months. Visit vaccines.gov to find a location near you and schedule an appointment.
Vax Verify system now offers QR code for easy verification
With a number of Chicago and Cook County venues now requiring proof of vaccination for access, the state’s Vax Verify system now offers a QR code for ease of confirming vaccination status.
The IDPH Vax Verify portal now includes use of the SMART Health Card, which allows users who have uploaded their vaccination records to download a code that can be scanned to easily confirm COVID-19 vaccination status at businesses, events and other locations.
Immunization records are kept confidential and only the individual, or the individual’s parent or guardian if the individual is younger than 18 years, can access their vaccination history.
Time is running out to take transportation plan survey
If you drive, bike or walk in McHenry County, time is running out to offer your input on the McHenry County Moves 2050 long-range transportation plan.
The plan, being crafted by the McHenry County Division of Transportation, will examine all the ways people and goods move in our region. The plan’s goal is to create an enhanced vision for transportation in our area, and identify new solutions that will provide a wide range of safe, equitable, sustainable, and convenient travel choices in and across the county.
Take full advantage of McHenry County’s winter wonderland
Old Man Winter took his sweet time covering McHenry County with the white stuff. But now that it’s here, it’s time to enjoy it!
As always, our friends at Visit McHenry County have put together a list of the best locations for sledding, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, winter hiking and snowshoeing. You can find it by clicking here.
And if you need to warm up afterwards with a hot meal, or a hot cup of coffee, chocolate or tea, or a warm pastry, you can find great ideas for local businesses to patronize by visiting their website at www.visitmchenrycounty.com.
We hope we got your attention. We need your help reaching more McHenry County residents and businesses to share this important information about the COVID-19 response and connect them with vital resources.
Please take these four steps:
1. Share/forward to your email/newsletter contacts.
2. Post information to your website.
3. Follow us on social media (see below); share our posts with your followers.
4. If you are not on the McHenry County Constant Contact list, please subscribe here
Follow McHenry County Government On Social Media
Staying connected and informed is more important now than ever! Follow McHenry County on social media for regular updates on COVID-19 in our region, resources to help you navigate the pandemic, safety tips and more!
ResumeMcHenry County is a collaborative initiative being implemented by McHenry County and the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) in partnership with the McHenry County community, including cities and villages, businesses and residents. The goal is to ensure a successful reopening of our economy so that we can return to our lifestyles safely and responsibly.
