Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Subscribe FREE to Ray Hanania’s Columns
  • Advertise
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Aaron Hanania
      • Steve Metsch
      • Steve Neuhaus
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
    • Submit a Press Release
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Seniors
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
  • Hanania on Tiktok
  • Toggle search form
  • Jane M. Orient, M.D.
    No, You Do Not Own ‘Your’ Pronouns or My Language Blogger
  • Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights
    While science grapples with the cause of the life expectancy gap between sexes, men need to make better health choices Health
  • The Mosaic at Bolingbrook Town Center, entitled “A Reflection of Bolingbrook.”
    Bolingbrook Town Center Mosaic Ribbon Cutting Scheduled June 7 Culture
  • Guido Reni - Moses with the Tables of the Law - WGA19289. Photo courtesy of WIkipedia
    Will Moses ever come down from the mountain top and save America? Blogger
  • Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau launching into personal attacks at the 2023 State of the Village speech hosted by the politically influenced Orland Chamber of Commerce May 24, 2023
    Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau is “off the rails on a crazy train” Baby Boomers
  • The Orland Fire Protection District hosted a media availability on Thursday May 25, 2023 to review their many achievements as one of the region's and State of Illinois' best Fire Districts.
    Lifesaving achievements focus of media presentation by Orland Fire Protection District officials Features
  • Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings. Photo courtesy of the Illinois State Senate
    Funding for mental health and education in Tinley Park secured by Senator Hastings Government
  • Orland Fire Protection District Trustees Beth Damas Kaspar, John Brudnak, Jayne Schirmacher (seated), Angela Greenfield and Tina Zekich at May 23, 2023 board meeting
    Orland Fire Protection District swears in two new trustees, elects officers elections
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with author and Thalassemia researcher and investor Patrick Girondi
    Artist Patrick Girondi lends support to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Accessible Healthcare for Americans Books & Films
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Senator Michael Hasting ensures degraded former Tinley Park Mental Health Center to be revitalized into a sports park in new law Baby Boomers
  • Senator Michael Hastings urges local businesses to apply for Blue Collar Jobs Act Construction Tax Credits Business
  • Returning for the 12th year, Star Wars Day is back! Join the fun Saturday, June 3rd from 11am - 4pm at the Joliet Public Library - Ottawa Street Branch.
    Star Wars Day is back in Joliet, Illinois Business
  • Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker
    Pritzker Administration Announces Chicago Citywide Crisis Prevention & Response Unit Chicago
  • Michael Schofield III Sports Complex, Orland Park. Scoreboard
    Kendall and Michael Schofield Family Foundation Sponsor Park Redevelopment Entertainment
  • Crystal Tree, tree rubbish left near home of Robert Peiss
    Crystal Tree homeowner frustrated Pekau won’t address his concerns Blogger
CoronaVirus courtesy of Wikipedia

COVID-19 infections at Orland Park Village Hall continue to rise

Posted on July 23, 2020July 23, 2020 By Ray Hanania No Comments on COVID-19 infections at Orland Park Village Hall continue to rise
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Loading

COVID-19 infections at Orland Park Village Hall continue to rise

Confirmed cases of Coronavirus COVID-19 continue to increase in Orland Park with the latest numbers showing a rise of more than 30 percent over the past three weeks since July 1, 2020. Despite the increase, the Mayor continues to assert that the wearing of face masks is not necessary and the mayor’s board majority continues to forge ahead with public events, concerts and activities. The Village’s Sportsplex was closed for a cleaning after an employee there was diagnosed with the virus

By Ray Hanania

As coronavirus COVID-19 infections steadily increase in the Village of Orland Park among the public, infections also continue to rise among Village employees, the office of Mayor Keith Pekau confirmed Thursday.

Pekau distributed a press release confirming that an employee at the Sportsplex, which is owned and operated by the Village of Orland Park, tested positive for COVID-19, ordering the health club closed all day Thursday for a “additional cleaning and sanitizing.”

That brings the total number of Village employees who have tested positive over the past. few weeks to five. Meanwhile, the Illinois Department of Public Health released data on Thursday morning which indicated that the confirmed cases of coronavirus has jumped now 30.75 percent during the past 23 days from 530 cases to a new record high of 670 cases, an increase of 163 new cases over the 530 reported through the end of June.

CoronaVirus courtesy of Wikipedia
CoronaVirus courtesy of Wikipedia

“Since the CDC announcement of the pandemic and establishment of workplace safety guidelines in March 2020, the Village has provided employees in all departments with gloves, masks, and hand sanitizer. Additionally, the Village has implemented social distancing measures, daily temperature checks, and enhanced remote meetings.  Employees who feel ill or who display any symptoms of COVID-19 are directed to refrain from reporting to work,” the village stated in a press release.

“After being closed to the public following the initial COVID-19 emergency declaration, the Sportsplex reopened on June 1, 2020. The safety of residents, customers, and employees continues to be the foremost priority for the Village of Orland Park.”

Click here to read the past story on the state’s requirements and Orland Park’s failures to adhere to them.

At the July 20, 2020 board meeting, Pekau revealed that the Village has seen a total of 35 COVID-19 fatalities, noting that 34 were residents of local senior/health care centers.

Although the numbers of confirmed cases are below those of the state and other areas such as Chicago, the confirmed cases is an issue for the Pekau administration because he has made such a high priority of declaring that the state cannot force people to wear face masks.

In a recent Village video statement, Pekau said, ““Again, all of the recommendations are to only use masks if you can’t social distance. So, social distancing is the most important thing that you can do. I have heard many people say, well, I can wear masks because the mask will keep me safe and I don’t need to social distance. That’s not true. We need you to social distance. That’s what’s got us here.”

Pekau has said that all of the resources employees need to protect themselves are being provided but several employees have saids that is not true, not just privately fearing retaliation from his administration but publicly such as the at the July 20, 2020 Village Board meeting.

At that meeting, Mia Cacciato, a Recreation Department program coordinator whose job was being eliminated by the Village, addressed the Mayor during the board meeting. Cacciato courageously challenged Pekau’s contradictions and failed policies. She also said the Village has failed to provide employees with the promised protective equipment.

“Many of us have met at many special events. We even met, Mayor, when you paraded around at each department last Fall to talk about your “get to know me” and your plans for the village, nearly three years after being elected to spew some nonsense about being fiscally responsible. Anyone with half a brain would know you have done nothing to back up those statements,” Cacciato told the board during the public participation period,” Cacciato said.

“These events often don’t make a profit let alone break even especially the ticketed concerts you decided we needed to host, and you still want to go through with them in the middle of the global pandemic. How is that fiscally responsible? Your words are worthless and you said it best at the last board meeting that you haven’t done anything. In my time as an intern and now as a program coordinator, I have seen countless examples of how your actions and decisions directly contradict everything you say you are doing for the village.”

Use this widget to listen to Cacciato deliver her statement to the board, or click this link.

https://suburbanchicagoland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/07-20-20-Mia-Cacciato-comments-at-Orland-Park-Village-Board.mp3

Also at the meeting, the board accepted the expected retirement of Police Chief Tim McCarthy, and discussed the financial shortcomings of several of the concert and public events that have been held so far.

Click this link to view the video file of the Village Board Meeting of July 20, 2020.

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania is an award-winning columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.  

Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.

Email Ray Hanania at rghanania@gmail.com.

Follow RayHanania on Gettr.com, the uncensored Twitter Ray Hanania on Gettr, the new Twitter
Ray Hanania
Latest posts by Ray Hanania (see all)
  • While science grapples with the cause of the life expectancy gap between sexes, men need to make better health choices - June 6, 2023
  • Bolingbrook Town Center Mosaic Ribbon Cutting Scheduled June 7 - June 3, 2023
  • Will Moses ever come down from the mountain top and save America? - June 3, 2023
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
coronavirus, Government, News, Orland Park, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

Post navigation

Previous Post: Law introduced to protect seniors from scams
Next Post: Defending the statue of Christopher Columbus

Related Posts

  • Scott Kaspar and Bernard Kerik
    Pekau uses position on Village board to undermine political rival Kaspar Blogger
  • Orland Fire Protection District Fire Commission administers promotions Fire
  • Musician offers free concerts News
  • Police Squad Car, courtesy of Wikipedia
    Orland Park Police Department Begins Fourth of July Safety Campaign to Encourage Safe and Sober Driving Cook County
  • Illinois State Senator Martin Sandoval. Photo courtesy of Senator Sandoval
    Sandoval cosponsors legislation to legalize adult-use recreational cannabis in Illinois Government
  • Bill Foster Democrat 11th District Illinois
    Foster, Underwood, Durbin, Duckworth Introduce Legislation to Name Fermilab Research Center After Renowned Physicist Dr. Helen Edwards Cook County

More Related Articles

Podcast: Overcoming the challenges facing Arab Americans Blogger
Pekau silences accountability to expand his political power Blogger
Actor Larry Yando as Ebenezer Scrooge in the Goodman Theater Production of A Christmas Carol. Courtesy of the Goodman Theater Goodman Theatre suspends A Christmas Carol performance through Dec. 24 Chicago
Laura Alberts, 2016 Senior American Idol winner, with Orland Township Supervisor Paul O'Grady. Alberts will return to judge the 2021 competition on October 21. Orland Township to host Senior American Idol Oct. 21, 2021 Baby Boomers
2nd Class Nathan Swartz, a native of Elmhurst, Ill. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelsey L. Adams Elmhurst native excels in Naval exercises Government
Orland Park Trustee Candidates Billy Healy, Michael Milani, and Cindy Katsenes Orland residents call for Mehalek and Fenton to step down Blogger

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Jane M. Orient, M.D.
    No, You Do Not Own ‘Your’ Pronouns or My Language
    June 6, 2023
  • Guido Reni - Moses with the Tables of the Law - WGA19289. Photo courtesy of WIkipedia
    Will Moses ever come down from the mountain top and save America?
    June 3, 2023
  • Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau launching into personal attacks at the 2023 State of the Village speech hosted by the politically influenced Orland Chamber of Commerce May 24, 2023
    Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau is “off the rails on a crazy train”
    June 2, 2023
  • Crystal Tree, tree rubbish left near home of Robert Peiss
    Crystal Tree homeowner frustrated Pekau won’t address his concerns
    May 22, 2023
  • The Berlin Cleopatra, a Roman sculpture of Cleopatra wearing a royal diadem, mid-1st century BC (around the time of her visits to Rome in 46–44 BC), discovered in an Italian villa along the Via Appia and now located in the Altes Museum in Germany. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Was Cleopatra Black or White and why it matters
    April 29, 2023
  • Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau wears a "Police" badge on his shirt during his political attacks made from his taxpayer funded village pulpit.
    Orland Park Mayor Pekau’s lies cost him the election, again
    April 12, 2023

Subscribe

  • Ray-Hanania-Newsletter-300-wide-Banner.jpg

Trending

  • Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau launching into personal attacks at the 2023 State of the Village speech hosted by the politically influenced Orland Chamber of Commerce May 24, 2023 Orland Park Mayor Keith P... Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau is "off the rails on a crazy train" Orland Pa... posted on June 2, 2023
  • Youth charged with attemp... Youth charged with attempted first-degree murder of fellow Lyons Township s... posted on May 11, 2023
  • Assault weapons, courtesy of WIkipedia National Association for... National Association for Gun Rights Calls Out Illinois’ Semi-Auto Ban Lies... posted on May 10, 2023
  • Crystal Tree, tree rubbish left near home of Robert Peiss Crystal Tree homeowner fr... Crystal Tree homeowner frustrated Pekau won't address his concerns Dr. Robe... posted on May 22, 2023
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon Senator Michael Hasting e... Senator Michael Hasting ensures degraded former Tinley Park Mental Health C... posted on May 24, 2023
  • NEWS
  • Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights
    While science grapples with the cause of the life expectancy gap between sexes, men need to make better health choices
    June 6, 2023
  • The Mosaic at Bolingbrook Town Center, entitled “A Reflection of Bolingbrook.”
    Bolingbrook Town Center Mosaic Ribbon Cutting Scheduled June 7
    June 3, 2023
  • The Orland Fire Protection District hosted a media availability on Thursday May 25, 2023 to review their many achievements as one of the region's and State of Illinois' best Fire Districts.
    Lifesaving achievements focus of media presentation by Orland Fire Protection District officials
    May 27, 2023
  • Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings. Photo courtesy of the Illinois State Senate
    Funding for mental health and education in Tinley Park secured by Senator Hastings
    May 26, 2023
  • Orland Fire Protection District Trustees Beth Damas Kaspar, John Brudnak, Jayne Schirmacher (seated), Angela Greenfield and Tina Zekich at May 23, 2023 board meeting
    Orland Fire Protection District swears in two new trustees, elects officers
    May 25, 2023
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with author and Thalassemia researcher and investor Patrick Girondi
    Artist Patrick Girondi lends support to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Accessible Healthcare for Americans
    May 24, 2023
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

The Political Pundit

Political Pundit Aug. 24, 2021. Taliban thanks president for boxes of MAGA hats
  • WORD PRESS REVIEWS
  • MyCloud by Western Digital, a hard drive that doesn't last. Don't purchase Western Digital.
    Western Digital tubes its loyal customers for profit
    October 17, 2021
  • Macho Themes website front page. Don't buy their themes. They don't work
    Difficulties with Macho Themes for WordPress
    August 21, 2021
  • TECHNOLOGY REVIEWS
  • Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings. Photo courtesy of the Illinois State Senate
    Senator Michael Hastings supports bill to protect consumers from pesky auto-renewal charges
    March 18, 2023
  • Wreaths Across America Radio logo
    Wreaths Across America Radio Announces New Strategic Partnerships with Veteran Radio Programs
    February 6, 2023
  • Dr. Helen Edwards Fermilab particle physicist
    Foster, Durbin, Duckworth introduce resolution to name Fermilab Research Center after renowned physicist Dr. Helen Edwards
    February 3, 2023

Follow Ray Hanania at
Gab.com, MeWe.com
IDobbinate.com,
Twitter, Facebook

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Ziyad Brothers Ad Taste of Middle East

What We’re Reading

Arab News Newspaper Leading English Language Publication in the GulfArab News Newspaper

Ray Hanania on Politics
SW News Newspaper Group

  • SPORTS
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Senator Michael Hasting ensures degraded former Tinley Park Mental Health Center to be revitalized into a sports park in new law
    May 24, 2023
  • Michael Schofield III Sports Complex, Orland Park. Scoreboard
    Kendall and Michael Schofield Family Foundation Sponsor Park Redevelopment
    May 23, 2023
  • Chicago Hounds rugby at Seat Geek Stadium July 8, 2023
    Chicago Hounds rugby announce plans for Dawg Town block party
    May 11, 2023
  • Chicago Fire FC will continue its 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup campaign against St. Louis CITY SC in the Round of 32 at 7 p.m. CT on Tuesday, May 9 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois.
    Chicago Fire FC to Face St. Louis CITY SC in 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 at SeatGeek Stadium
    April 29, 2023
  • NEWS RELEASES
  • Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights
    While science grapples with the cause of the life expectancy gap between sexes, men need to make better health choices
    June 6, 2023
  • Orland Fire Protection District Trustees Beth Damas Kaspar, John Brudnak, Jayne Schirmacher (seated), Angela Greenfield and Tina Zekich at May 23, 2023 board meeting
    Orland Fire Protection District swears in two new trustees, elects officers
    May 25, 2023
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with author and Thalassemia researcher and investor Patrick Girondi
    Artist Patrick Girondi lends support to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Accessible Healthcare for Americans
    May 24, 2023
  • Michael Schofield III Sports Complex, Orland Park. Scoreboard
    Kendall and Michael Schofield Family Foundation Sponsor Park Redevelopment
    May 23, 2023
  • Terrorist Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin who is guilty of massacring civilians in his war against Ukraine. Photo credit Wikipedia
    International Education Delegation Visits Ukraine to Stand with Country’s Children, Teachers
    May 10, 2023
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

  • BUSINESS NEWS
  • Senator Michael Hastings urges local businesses to apply for Blue Collar Jobs Act Construction Tax Credits
    May 23, 2023
  • Returning for the 12th year, Star Wars Day is back! Join the fun Saturday, June 3rd from 11am - 4pm at the Joliet Public Library - Ottawa Street Branch.
    Star Wars Day is back in Joliet, Illinois
    May 23, 2023
  • Craft Fair photo courtesy of Emily Webster and Unsplash.com
    Artisan and craft vendor’s wanted for Cicero Farmer’s Market and Artisan Fair in June
    May 5, 2023
  • Hyundai Sonata. Photo courtesy of Hyundai
    Hyundai and AAA Insurers Collaborate to Offer Insurance Options for Customers Affected by Method of Theft Popularized on TikTok
    April 14, 2023

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

Click this link to watch or use the widget below:

Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.
Email Ray Hanania for more information about performing at your event at rghanania@gmail.com.

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme