Coronavirus Cases Increase In Beverly, Mt. Greenwood, Morgan Park

CHICAGO — Numbers of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus increased steadily in both zip codes covering the 19th Ward neighborhoods of Beverly, Mount Greenwood and Morgan Park a week ago. 19th Ward Ald. Matt O'Shea shared a graphic in an e-mail alert to ward residents on Tuesday showing the weekly numbers from both the 60643 and 60655 area codes.

From the week beginning on June 28 to the week beginning July 2, the confirmed case number in 60643 almost doubled, from 20 to 39. In addition to Beverly and Morgan Park, the zip code also includes part of the Washington Heights and West Pullman neighborhoods as well as some of the suburban Calumet Park.

In 60655, which is mostly Mount Greenwood and West Beverly with suburban Merrionette Park mixed in, the number of confirmed cases in the same time period more than tripled, from six to 19.

In both zip codes, the weekly numbers are the highest they've been since early May.

O'Shea described the first July numbers as a "significant uptick," urging residents to wear masks and practice social distancing while around others to help prevent the spread of the virus.

"Before last week, local COVID cases had consistently dropped since early May," the alderman said. "COVID is still prevalent in our city and in the communities of Beverly, Morgan Park and Mount Greenwood.

"If this trend continues, it may jeopardize the hard fought progress that has been made throughout the last four months.