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Chicago shooting: As many as 14 people shot in Garfield Park drive-by at Polk and California, CPD says

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CHICAGO (WLS) — As many as 14 people were shot in the city’s Garfield Park neighborhood on Halloween night, Chicago police said.

Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown said the victims range in age from 3 years old to adults in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. There are three juvenile victims: the 3-year-old, an 11-year-old and a teenager who may be 13 years old. Additionally, one person was struck by a car.

Brown said the shooting was a drive-by that was over in a matter of seconds. It happened around 9:30 p.m. and was captured on POD video, which police are reviewing.

The investigation is still in its earliest stages, but Brown said preliminary information indicates there were at least two shooters seen on the video, though that number could change. They appeared to fire indiscriminately into the crowd at California and Polk.

Brown said there were several large groups at the corner, which is a popular gathering spot in the neighborhood. Some were reportedly attending a vigil that appears, at this time, to be unrelated to the shooting.

The victims were taken to several local hospitals including Northwestern Medical Center, Loyola Medical Center and Mt. Sinai, but the largest group was taken to Stroger Hospital. Brown said their conditions range from non-life threatening injuries to critical condition.

There are not yet any reported fatalities.

There is no known motive for the shooting at this time, and Brown said there were no known conflicts at the corner Monday night. Police are waiting for victims to finish being treated so they can interview them.

There is also not yet a description of the car involved or of the offender or offenders, and no one in custody, according to Brown.

The Chicago Fire Department said it had sent at least 10 ambulances to the area of California and Polk.

An investigation by the Chicago Police Department is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Chicago police, and a reward of up to $15,000 is being offered for information leading to charged and/or a conviction in this incident.

Copyright © 2022 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.



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Health

After delay, Polk County expands vaccine eligibility

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UNI, IS TO BLAME FOR TONIGHT’S CONFUSION. STACEY: THANK YOU. STARTING MONDAY, THE STATE WILL ALLOW PEOPLE AGE 64 AND YOUNGER WITH CERTAIN HEALTH CONDITIONS TO RECEIVE A COVID-19 VACCINE. BUT THAT WON’T HAPPEN IN POLK COUNTY. KCCI’S LAUREN JOHNSON EXPLAINS WHY IT MAY BE SOME TIME BEFORE THE COUNTY MOVES INTO THAT NEXT TIER LAUREN: THAT’S RIGHT, STACEY. POLK COUNTY IS CONTINUING TO FACE SUPPLY SHORTAGES OF VACCINE. BUT WITH THAT BEING SAID, THEY LOOK LIKE THEY WILL BE MOVING IN THE NEXT TIER SOON. ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON, GOVERNOR REYNOLDS EXPLAINED WHY THE STATE WILL SOON ALLOW MORE IOWANS TO GET VACCINATED. >> BECAUSE SOME COUNTIES ARE THROUGH THE FIRST TIER, WE’VE OPENED IT UP WHEN YOU’RE THROUGH THAT FOR 64 YEARS OF AGE AND DOWN, IF YOU HAVE UNDERLYING CONDITIONS SO THEY ARE NOW ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A VACCINE AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE. LAUREN: THAT WILL INCLUDE IOWANS AGE 64 AND YOUNGER WITH CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING HEART CONDITIONS, OBESITY, CANCER AND DIABETES. BUT POLK COUNTY WON’T BE MOVING INTO THAT NEXT STAGE JUST YET BECAUSE OF VACCINE SHORTAGES. AS OF FRIDAY, A LITTLE MORE THAN 66% OF THIS CURRENT TIER HAS BEEN VACCINATED. THAT NUMBER NEEDS TO BE CLOSER TO 70% FOR THEM TO MOVE ON. >> WE STILL HAVE A POPULATIO WHERE DEMAND IS MUCH GREATER THAN SUPPLY, SO WE FEEL LIKE IT’S VERY VITAL TO STAY IN THE TIERS THAT WE ARE AND MAKE SURE THOSE INDIVIDUALS ARE AT LEAST GETTING ONE DOSE. LAUREN: THE CURRENT TIER INCLUDES IOWANS 65 YEARS AND OLDER, FIRST RESPONDERS, SCHOOL STAFF, HEALTHCARE WORKERS, AND LONG TERM CARE FACILITY STAFF AND RESIDENTS. POLK COUNTY SAYS IT WILL KEEP EVALUATING VACCINATION PROGRESS. WHEN IT COMES TIME FOR PROVIDERS TO VACCINATE PEOPLE IN THE NEXT CATEGORY, THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAYS IT WILL HAVE TO TRUST PATIENTS WHEN THEY SAY THEY HAVE AN UNDERLYING CONDITION. THE HOPE IS SOMEONE WHO ISN’T ELIGIBLE FOR THIS TIER WON’T JUMP THE LINE. >> WE WOULD NEVER WANT TO DETER AN INDIVIDUAL THAT REALLY NEEDS A VACCINE, BUT WE ALSO WANT OUR COMMUNITY TO MAKE SMART DECISIONS. AND IF THEY DO NOT FALL UNDER THE TIER OF AN INDIVIDUAL OF AN UNDERLYING HEALTH CONDITION, WE WANT THEM TO BE HONEST AND MAKE SMART CHOICES. LAUREN: THAT’S RIGHT. THE POLK COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDS THAT PEOPLE AND POLK COUNTY DECIDED TO GET THEIR VACCINES HERE, ALSO PEOPLE WHO LIVE AND WORK IN THEIR COUNTIES, THAT IS WHER

After delay, Polk County expands vaccine eligibility

After a delay due a backlog of vaccinations in Polk County, health officials said Thursday that Iowans 64 years and under with underlying health conditions can begin to book appointments for COVID-19 vaccines starting March 15.Last week, The Polk County Health Department said it would not expand vaccine availability until at least 70% of the current tier are vaccinated, which includes individuals 65 years and older, first responders, school staff, early childhood education workers, child care workers and health care workers and individuals working and living at long-term care facilities. The state health department said counties could administer vaccines to those 64 years old and younger who have medical conditions that put them at risk on March 8.“The past two weeks we have seen an increase in our Pfizer allocation, which is incredibly beneficial as additional phases and tiers are opening throughout the state,” said Helen Eddy, Polk County Health Department director. “We’ve had additional conversations with our pharmacy partners, hospitals and clinics and we feel confident and ready to start opening vaccinations in Polk County to 64 years and under with underlying health conditions.” County officials said Phase 1B, Tier 2, eligibility will begin March 22. That tier includes: Farmworkers who work environment or shared short-term housing does not allow of adequate social distancing.Front-line workers employed in the manufacturing and distribution of critical goods necessary for survival whose work environment does not allow for social distancing.Individuals with disabilities living in home settings and their direct care staff.“At Polk County Health Department, we would never turn away community members who are in great need of the COVID-19 vaccine,” Eddy said. “However, we want the community to make smart and honest decisions and not take away COVID-19 vaccines from those with underlying health conditions.”Seniors and individuals 64 years and younger with underlying health conditions who do not have computer or internet access should call 515-323-5221. Individuals in Phase 1B, Tier 1, and those with internet and computer access should continue to monitor vaccine availability at www.vaccinate.iowa.gov.

DES MOINES, Iowa —

After a delay due a backlog of vaccinations in Polk County, health officials said Thursday that Iowans 64 years and under with underlying health conditions can begin to book appointments for COVID-19 vaccines starting March 15.

Last week, The Polk County Health Department said it would not expand vaccine availability until at least 70% of the current tier are vaccinated, which includes individuals 65 years and older, first responders, school staff, early childhood education workers, child care workers and health care workers and individuals working and living at long-term care facilities. The state health department said counties could administer vaccines to those 64 years old and younger who have medical conditions that put them at risk on March 8.

“The past two weeks we have seen an increase in our Pfizer allocation, which is incredibly beneficial as additional phases and tiers are opening throughout the state,” said Helen Eddy, Polk County Health Department director. “We’ve had additional conversations with our pharmacy partners, hospitals and clinics and we feel confident and ready to start opening vaccinations in Polk County to 64 years and under with underlying health conditions.”

County officials said Phase 1B, Tier 2, eligibility will begin March 22.

That tier includes:

  • Farmworkers who work environment or shared short-term housing does not allow of adequate social distancing.
  • Front-line workers employed in the manufacturing and distribution of critical goods necessary for survival whose work environment does not allow for social distancing.
  • Individuals with disabilities living in home settings and their direct care staff.

“At Polk County Health Department, we would never turn away community members who are in great need of the COVID-19 vaccine,” Eddy said. “However, we want the community to make smart and honest decisions and not take away COVID-19 vaccines from those with underlying health conditions.”

Seniors and individuals 64 years and younger with underlying health conditions who do not have computer or internet access should call 515-323-5221. Individuals in Phase 1B, Tier 1, and those with internet and computer access should continue to monitor vaccine availability at www.vaccinate.iowa.gov.

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Health

Polk County officials address shortage of COVID-19 vaccines

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Polk County Supervisor Angela Connolly said county officials are frustrated by a shortage of COVID-19 vaccine doses and changing state recommendations on who should get the vaccine.“We are very frustrated because we have had many of the process and procedures in place to vaccinate a large number of people, but we simply don’t have enough vaccines and health department staff is working around the clock to administer the small amount of vaccine that we have,” Connolly said. “We were surprised when the recommendation was made to open availability to people 65 plus without an increase in supply and we weren’t ready. And I’m apologizing for this but make no mistake, we take care of our seniors.”Polk County will move into phase 1B of the vaccine rollout on Monday. This phase will allow those who are 65 or older, first responders, K through 12 staff, and child care workers to set an appointment to get vaccinated.The vaccine is allocated on a weekly basis. County officials said next week, the allocated amount of vaccine will be about 7,000 for Polk County. For reference, there are 61,000 Polk County residents over 65 years old. Add on top of that the other part of the population that is now eligible to be vaccinated and it’s obvious this part of the rollout could take some time.Polk County Health Director Helen Eddy asked the public to be patient.“We are asking the public to be patient. At this time, the demand for the COVID-19 vaccine far exceeds our supply. Appointments are based upon available vaccine supply. They do not make appointments without having a shot attached to them,” Eddy said. “This process will take some time, but we will not stop until everyone who wishes to be vaccinated.”Eddy said what is currently limiting vaccination capacity is the short supply of vaccines, not the number of local vaccine providers.Eddy had further advice for those waiting for their turn to get the vaccine.“Health care clinics will start vaccinating patients based upon state and local public health guidelines. If you are eligible, based on your age, your primary care doctor will start notifying you via phone, direct mail and or through your health system website portal,” Eddy said.Eddy said the health department is fielding many questions about second vaccine doses.“I also want to address second doses. We’re getting many questions about those. You may go anywhere a vaccine is available to receive your second vaccination at the Polk County Health Department. You will be notified the week before your second dose is due,” Eddy said.Connolly said starting Monday, the Polk County Health Department will have a call center open during regular business hours to take phone calls from the seniors who need help, making an appointment for the vaccine to navigate the website, or they don’t have a computer. The number of procedures to use if they need help scheduling is 323-5221.“Please continue to use call 211 for answers to the general COVID questions, and this call center is reserved for mainly seniors who need help making their appointments, nurses will help them,” Connolly said.Polk County officials address shortage of COVID-19 vaccines

DES MOINES, Iowa —

Polk County Supervisor Angela Connolly said county officials are frustrated by a shortage of COVID-19 vaccine doses and changing state recommendations on who should get the vaccine.

“We are very frustrated because we have had many of the process and procedures in place to vaccinate a large number of people, but we simply don’t have enough vaccines and health department staff is working around the clock to administer the small amount of vaccine that we have,” Connolly said. “We were surprised when the recommendation was made to open availability to people 65 plus without an increase in supply and we weren’t ready. And I’m apologizing for this but make no mistake, we take care of our seniors.”

Polk County will move into phase 1B of the vaccine rollout on Monday. This phase will allow those who are 65 or older, first responders, K through 12 staff, and child care workers to set an appointment to get vaccinated.

The vaccine is allocated on a weekly basis. County officials said next week, the allocated amount of vaccine will be about 7,000 for Polk County. For reference, there are 61,000 Polk County residents over 65 years old. Add on top of that the other part of the population that is now eligible to be vaccinated and it’s obvious this part of the rollout could take some time.

Polk County Health Director Helen Eddy asked the public to be patient.

“We are asking the public to be patient. At this time, the demand for the COVID-19 vaccine far exceeds our supply. Appointments are based upon available vaccine supply. They do not make appointments without having a shot attached to them,” Eddy said. “This process will take some time, but we will not stop until everyone who wishes to be vaccinated.”

Eddy said what is currently limiting vaccination capacity is the short supply of vaccines, not the number of local vaccine providers.

Eddy had further advice for those waiting for their turn to get the vaccine.

“Health care clinics will start vaccinating patients based upon state and local public health guidelines. If you are eligible, based on your age, your primary care doctor will start notifying you via phone, direct mail and or through your health system website portal,” Eddy said.

Eddy said the health department is fielding many questions about second vaccine doses.

“I also want to address second doses. We’re getting many questions about those. You may go anywhere a vaccine is available to receive your second vaccination at the Polk County Health Department. You will be notified the week before your second dose is due,” Eddy said.

Connolly said starting Monday, the Polk County Health Department will have a call center open during regular business hours to take phone calls from the seniors who need help, making an appointment for the vaccine to navigate the website, or they don’t have a computer. The number of procedures to use if they need help scheduling is 323-5221.

“Please continue to use call 211 for answers to the general COVID questions, and this call center is reserved for mainly seniors who need help making their appointments, nurses will help them,” Connolly said.

Polk County officials address shortage of COVID-19 vaccines

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