Aurora halts all water disconnections for next 30 days

Aurora Mayor Richard C. Irvin announced Friday the City of Aurora has temporarily halted disconnecting water service at any Aurora residence and business due to nonpayment.

"Access to water is essential in the prevention of the COVID-19 coronavirus," said Mayor Irvin. "Consistent hand-washing is a key preventative measure, and no Auroran shouldn't have access to this vital resource because of an inability to pay."

The moratorium will be in place for the next 30 days, and customers are still responsible for the consumption used over time. The city will reassess the plan throughout the month as the coronavirus pandemic continues to evolve and make adjustments as necessary.

While Aurora doesn't have any confirmed cases of COVID-19, the city in enacting proactive measures to help prevent the spread of the virus and to strengthen the overall health of the community.

"The City of Aurora prioritizes the health and safety of everyone in our community amid concerns of the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19," said Mayor Irvin during a media briefing held today. "In consideration of this global pandemic, we are planning for what is best for Aurora presently and in the future."

In addition, for the next 30 days, the City of Aurora is also:

• Prohibiting all public events held at city hall and on city properties, including the Aurora Police Department, the Aurora Fire Department and the Customer Service Center on McCoy Drive.

• Limiting Aurora City Council meetings to no more than 50 audience members and moving city council meetings, including committees, to the city council chambers.

• Canceling meetings for all city boards and commissions not essential to daily city governance.

• Postponing all city-organized large gatherings.

During the media briefing, Aurora Chief of Staff Alex Alexandrou outlined additional measures being taken by the city.

"In addition to our regular cleaning procedures, we have implemented additional rigorous cleaning routines in all high-traffic public areas," said Alexandrou. "Our staff members have already done an amazing job of staying on top of the new cleaning routines and other new procedures we are implementing."

Aurora police officers and firefighters have been equipped with personal protective equipment, and all 911 operators have been trained to ask screening questions related to the coronavirus when they handle certain medical calls.

The city has also posted prevention information and additional resources related to COVID-19 on its website www.aurora-il.org/health.

Among the primary prevention activities are such measures as:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Use hand sanitizer

• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands

• Avoid contact with sick people

• Stay home if you are sick

• Cover mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

• Exercise social distancing when and wherever possible