WCCTB COVID-19 Information Center
The Westmont Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau(WCCTB) is a voluntary organization of business and professional people dedicated to improving the economic environment of Westmont.
The WCCTB is closely monitoring the developing effect of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
This page is a repository of information and links useful for businesses and residents.
It will be updated as more information becomes available.
The WCCTB is closely monitoring the developing effect of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
This page is a repository of information and links useful for businesses and residents.
It will be updated as more information becomes available.
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SIGNS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
AUGUST 13, 2021
As part of Illinois’ COVID-19 economic recovery program, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) launched the $250 million Back to Business (B2B) grant program to support the continued recovery of small businesses across Illinois. The first in a series of economic recovery programs by the administration, B2B will offer the hardest hit industries grants of $5K-$150K to help offset losses, bring back workers, and take continued steps to rebuild amid the fallout from the pandemic. To reach the businesses most in need, DCEO will work alongside over 100 community navigators, 42 Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and other outreach partners who have relationships with their local business community. These partners stand ready to help small businesses prepare and apply for funding with 1-on-1, and multilingual assistance in every region of the state. Applications formally open on August 18, 2021 Click this link to learn more details on this grant program: https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/Pages/B2B.aspx $60B RRF Replenishment Act Introduced, 90-Second Update Westmont Chamber Members, Am forwarding an important message from the National Restaurant Association asking for urgent support to increase RRF, please review and act today.... The Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) has been an incredibly effective recovery tool for the restaurant industry, but for too many owners, the $28.6 billion in funding won’t last long enough for them receive a dollar in disaster funding. The SBA estimates that they need at least an additional $50 billion just to fund the applications submitted before the application portal was closed. We have been in close contact with the sponsors of the RESTAURANTS Act, and are pleased to announce that tomorrow, the RRF Replenishment Act will be introduced. This new legislation will direct $60 billion in funding to the SBA, allowing them to complete the mission and provide sorely needed recovery dollars for the restaurant industry. The work of these sponsors, Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), and Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) has been critical. But they need our help. This bill will not be brought to the floor for debate unless there is broad bipartisan support. Congress heard our voice when they created the RRF – they need to hear from us again to ensure it receives more funding. Many here in Washington think that the return to indoor dining means that the restaurants will be fully back to normal within a few months. The truth is that this industry is incredibly vulnerable and faces a long path to recovery. We need this bill. If you care about the Restaurant Revitalization Fund and agree that the struggles of the restaurant industry warrant continued federal support, I urge you to weigh in with your representatives in Washington. Add your voice, share your perspective, and together we can move Congress to support our favorite local restaurants. Hear more about the RRF Replenishment Act in my most recent 90-Second Video Update below. As always, we’ll keep you updated, and I welcome your feedback. Thank you! Sean Kennedy Executive Vice President of Public Affairs National Restaurant Association -Gov. Pritzker Issues Guidelines for
Illinois Reopening on June 11 With Continued Progress on Vaccination Rates, All Businesses and Industries to Fully Reopen as State Concludes Restore Illinois Plan Outdoor Mask Requirement to be Lifted in Schools Following CDC Guidance SPRINGFIELD, June 4, 2021 - Following weeks of steady decreases in new positive COVID-19 cases and with over 67% of residents age 18 and older receiving their first vaccine dose, Governor JB Pritzker is releasing guidelines for Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois plan, which will go into effect on June 11th and marks a full reopening of all businesses and activities. This guidance will mean businesses, large-scale events, conventions, amusement parks, and seated-spectator venues, among others, will be able to operate at full capacity for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The State is also lifting the outdoor mask requirement in schools in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This guidance comes as Illinois has recently reached a test positivity rate of less than 2 percent, more than half of the population has been fully vaccinated, and key hospitalization metrics have been declining since early May. “After a tremendously challenging year, Illinois has now reached a defining moment in our efforts to defeat COVID-19,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Thanks to the hard work of residents across the state, Illinois will soon resume life as we knew it before – returning to events, gatherings, and a fully reopened economy, with some of the safety guidelines we’ve adopted still in place. As we fully reopen, this administration remains laser focused on ensuring a strong recovery for our small businesses and communities. Our FY22 budget invests $1.5 billion in small business relief, tourism, job-creating capital projects and more and we look forward to getting these dollars to communities across our state as quickly as possible.” Upon entering Phase 5, fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. The State will continue to recommend masking for unvaccinated persons, and require it for all people while traveling on public transportation, in congregate settings, in health care settings, as well as in schools, day cares, and educational institutions pursuant to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and CDC guidance. Businesses and local municipalities can put in place additional mitigations as they deem appropriate. Under Phase 5, all sectors of the economy can resume at regular capacity. Phase 5 also marks the return of traditional conventions, festivals, and large events without capacity restrictions. Large gatherings of all sizes can resume across all industry settings, and Phase 5 removes requirements that businesses institute mandatory social distancing in seated venues as well as daily health screenings of employees and visitors. Businesses and venues should continue to allow for social distancing to the extent possible, especially indoors. Businesses and venues may also continue to put in place additional public health mitigations as they deem appropriate, including requiring face coverings. “This pandemic has robbed us of many of our freedoms such as going to ball games and concerts, celebrating graduations, weddings, and birthdays, going to dinner with friends, and even sharing a hug with loved ones we don’t live with,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “The vaccine is giving us our freedoms back and allowing us to move to Phase 5. Let’s keep the vaccination momentum going so we can put this pandemic in the rearview mirror and not look back.” While the entry to Phase 5 signals an end to business and activity specific guidance requiring social distancing, health screening and other required operational shifts, Illinois will continue to recommend face coverings for unvaccinated persons, as well as all individuals while (1) on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation and in transportation hubs, such as airports and train and bus stations; (2) in congregate facilities such as correctional facilities, veterans’ homes, and long-term care facilities, group homes, and residential facilities; and (3) in healthcare settings. In addition, the guidance for schools is updated to align with the CDC guidelines, including lifting the requirement for individuals to mask outdoors in most situations. The State’s advancement to Phase 5 builds on last month’s announcement of the return of conventions and leisure travel to the state. Just last week McCormick Place announced its plans to re-open, bringing 122 events, 1,000 workers and an expected 1.9 million convention goers to their halls. Additionally, the State has recently launched a new tourism campaign to welcome out of state visitors back into communities, helping support a return to leisure activity as well as the important economic activity stimulated by Illinois’ iconic attractions, hotels and tourism businesses. “The State’s move to Phase 5 next week marks a significant milestone in our efforts to bring businesses and workers back safely and will play a key role in getting the economy back on track,” said DCEO Acting Director Sylvia Garcia. “Under Governor Pritzker’s leadership, we are making steady progress in stabilizing our businesses and communities hit hardest during the course of the pandemic. New investments in the Governor’s budget will ensure that the state continues to play a vital role in aiding in the emergency response, while laying the groundwork for a sustained economic recovery.” Earlier this week the Governor announced another $1.5 billion in funds to be made available through the FY 22 budget to support business grants, tourism recovery, workforce recovery, affordable housing, violence prevention, capital projects, and other investments throughout Illinois communities. This builds on the State’s record $580 million investment last year to deliver thousands of business grants through the Business Interruption Grants program, which provided emergency relief dollars to business grants and childcare providers in over 98 counties statewide. Businesses and communities can learn more about Phase 5 recommended public health practices by visiting IDPH’s website. # # # Source: State of Illinois - Friday, June 4, 2021 CONTACT [email protected] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- May 17, 2021 Executive Order 2021-10 EXECUTIVE ORDER 2021-10 (COVID-19 EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 79) Bridge Phase Order WHEREAS, since early March 2020, Illinois has faced a pandemic that has caused extraordinary sickness and loss of life, infecting over 1.35 million residents, and taking the lives of more than 22,000 residents; and, WHEREAS, at all times but especially during a public health crisis, protecting the health and safety of Illinoisans is among the most important functions of State government; and, WHEREAS, social distancing, face coverings, and other public health precautions have proven to be critical in slowing and stopping the spread of COVID-19; and, WHEREAS, COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing COVID-19 disease, especially severe illness and death; and, WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) recently updated its guidance for fully vaccinated people,1 indicating that they can resume numerous activities without wearing a mask or staying 6 feet apart, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance; and, WHEREAS, the CDC continues to advise that cloth face coverings or masks protect persons who are not fully vaccinated from COVID-19; and, WHEREAS, the CDC advises that schools continue to use the COVID-19 prevention strategies outlined in the CDC’s Operational Strategy for K-12 Schools for at least the remainder of the 2020-2021 academic school year; and, WHEREAS, the CDC continues to advise that day care providers continue to use COVID-19 prevention strategies, including masking and physical distancing, even after day care providers and their staff are vaccinated; and WHEREAS, in light of the continued spread of COVID-19 and the significant percentage of the population that remains unvaccinated, I declared on April 30, 2021 that the current circumstances in Illinois surrounding the spread of COVID-19 constitute an epidemic emergency ________________________________________________________________________ 1 Individuals are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine. Individuals who do not meet these requirements, regardless of age, are not considered fully vaccinated. 2 and a public health emergency under Section 4 of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act; and, WHEREAS, the number of new COVID-19 cases has decreased in recent weeks, and the public health metrics now allow for the State to relax some mitigation measures as more residents have been vaccinated; THEREFORE, by the powers vested in me as the Governor of the State of Illinois, pursuant to the Illinois Constitution and Sections 7(1), 7(2), 7(3), 7(8), 7(9), and 7(12) of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act, 20 ILCS 3305, and consistent with the powers in public health laws, I hereby order the following, effective immediately: Bridge Phase Order 1. Intent of this Executive Order. The intent of this Executive Order is to safely and conscientiously, and in a manner consistent with CDC guidance, expand activities that were limited during the prior mitigation Phases of the State’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This Executive Order supersedes Executive Order 2020-43, as amended by Executive Orders 2020-55, 2020-59, and 2021-09. 2. Public health requirements for individuals. Individuals must take the following public health steps to protect their own and their neighbors’ health and lives: a. Social distancing. To the extent individuals who are not fully vaccinated are using shared spaces when outside their residence, including when outdoors, they must at all times and as much as reasonably possible maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any other person who does not live with them. b. Face coverings.2 Any individual who is not fully vaccinated and who is over age two and able to medically tolerate a face covering (a mask or cloth face covering) shall be required to cover their nose and mouth with a face covering when in a public place and unable to maintain a six-foot social distance. This requirement applies whether in an indoor space, such as a store, or in a public outdoor space where maintaining a six-foot social distance is not always possible. All individuals, including those who are fully vaccinated, shall be required to wear a face covering consistent with CDC guidance, including (1) on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation and in transportation hubs such as airports and train and bus stations; (2) in congregate facilities such as correctional facilities and homeless shelters; and (3) in healthcare settings. _________________________________________________________________________ 2 Throughout this Executive Order, any reference to a face covering requirement excludes those two years old and younger and those for whom wearing a face covering is not medically advisable. Guidance on use of face coverings from the Illinois Department of Human Rights is available here: https://www2.illinois.gov/dhr/Documents/IDHR_FAQ_for_Businesses_Concerning_Use_of_Face- Coverings_During_COVID-19_Ver_2020511b%20copy.pdf Individuals in schools, day care settings, and educational institutions should continue to follow separate guidance issued by the Illinois State Board of Education, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, and the Illinois Department of Public Health. c. Elderly people and those who are vulnerable as a result of illness should take additional precautions. People who are not fully vaccinated and who are at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19, including elderly people and those with a health condition that may make them vulnerable, are urged to stay in their residence and minimize in-person contact with others to the extent possible. d. Gatherings. Because in-person contact presents the greatest risk of transmission of COVID-19, Illinoisans who are not fully vaccinated are encouraged to continue limiting in-person contact with others and to expand their social contact cautiously. For residents who are not fully vaccinated, gathering remotely continues to be the safest way to interact with those outside a household or residence. e. Go outdoors. Public health guidance suggests that the risks of transmission of COVID-19 are greatly reduced outdoors as opposed to indoors. Where possible, Illinoisans who are not fully vaccinated are encouraged to conduct their activities outdoors. 3. Public health requirements for businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations. For the purposes of this Executive Order, covered businesses include any for-profit, non- profit, or educational entity, regardless of the nature of the service, the function it performs, or its corporate or entity structure. Those entities must take the following public health measures to protect their employees, their customers, and all others who come into physical contact with their operations. Nothing in this Executive Order prevents these entities from undertaking stricter or additional public health measures; to the contrary, businesses are encouraged to prioritize the health and safety of their workers and customers, and may continue to require face coverings and social distancing, even for those who are fully vaccinated. a. Requirements for all businesses. All businesses must: • ensure that employees who are not fully vaccinated practice social distancing and wear face coverings when social distancing is not always possible; • ensure that all spaces where employees may gather, including locker rooms and lunchrooms, allow for social distancing; and • ensure that all visitors (customers, vendors, etc.) to the workplace who are not fully vaccinated can practice social distancing; but if maintaining a six-foot social distance will not be possible at all times, encourage those visitors to wear face coverings; and • continue to take all necessary steps to protect employees and customers by ensuring that any return to work plans adhere to all applicable public health guidance. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), in partnership with IDPH, has developed industry-specific guidance and toolkits to help businesses operate safely and responsibly. These documents are available at: https://dceocovid19resources.com/restore-illinois/restore-illinois-phase-4/. This industry-specific guidance is supplemented and updated by the “Bridge Phase” guidance available at: https://dceoresources-ss-assets.s3.us-east- 2.amazonaws.com/public/Restore-Illinois/A-Bridge-to-Phase-5.pdf. b. Requirements for retail stores. Retail stores must ensure all employees who are not fully vaccinated practice social distancing and must take appropriate additional public health precautions, in accordance with DCEO guidance, which include: • provide face coverings to all employees who are not fully vaccinated and who are not able to maintain a minimum six-foot social distance from customers and other employees at all times; • cap occupancy at 60 percent of store capacity, or, alternatively, at the occupancy limits based on store square footage set by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity; and • communicate with customers through in-store signage, and public service announcements and advertisements, about the social distancing and face covering requirements set forth in this Order. c. Requirements for manufacturers. Manufacturers must ensure all employees who are not fully vaccinated practice social distancing and must take appropriate additional public health precautions, in accordance with DCEO guidance, which include: • provide face coverings to all employees who are not fully vaccinated and who are not able to maintain a minimum six-foot social distance at all times; • ensure that all spaces where employees may gather, including locker rooms and lunchrooms, allow for social distancing; and • modify and downsize operations (staggering shifts, reducing line speeds, operating only essential lines, while shutting down non-essential lines) to the extent necessary to allow for social distancing and to provide a safe workplace in response to the COVID-19 emergency. d. Requirements for office buildings. Employers in office buildings must ensure all employees who are not fully vaccinated practice social distancing and must take appropriate additional public health precautions, in accordance with DCEO guidance, which may include: • provide face coverings to all employees who are not fully vaccinated and who are not able to maintain a minimum six-foot social distance at all times; • consider implementing capacity limits where the physical space does not allow for social distancing; • allow telework where possible; and • develop and prominently post plans and signage to ensure social distancing in shared spaces such as waiting rooms, service counters, and cafeterias. e. Requirements for meetings, conferences, and conventions. Indoor venues and meeting spaces can operate in a manner consistent with DCEO guidance. f. Requirements for restaurants and bars. All businesses that offer food or beverages for on-premises consumption—including restaurants, bars, grocery stores, and food halls—may continue service for on-premises consumption, as permitted by DCEO guidance. Such businesses continue to be permitted and encouraged to serve food and beverages so that they may be consumed off- premises, as permitted by law, through means such as in-house delivery, third- party delivery, drive-through, and curbside pick-up. Establishments offering food or beverages for on-premises consumption or for carry-out must ensure that they have an environment where patrons who are not fully vaccinated maintain adequate social distancing. All businesses covered in this section may permit outdoor on-premises food and beverage consumption in accordance with DCEO guidance and when permitted by local ordinances and regulations. g. Requirements for fitness and exercise gyms. Fitness and exercise gyms may be open in a manner consistent with DCEO guidance, which involves operating for member workouts at a maximum of 60 percent capacity and with social distancing and other precautions. h. Requirements for personal services facilities. Personal services facilities such as spas, hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, waxing centers, tattoo parlors, and similar facilities may be open but must comply with capacity limits in accordance with DCEO guidance and must ensure the use of face coverings and adherence to social distancing requirements for individuals who are not fully vaccinated. i. Requirements for outdoor recreation, youth day camps, and youth sports. Businesses offering outdoor recreation, youth day camps, and youth sports may be open but must ensure the use of face coverings and adherence to social distancing requirements for individuals who are not fully vaccinated, and must take other public health steps in accordance with DCEO guidance. j. Requirements for places of public amusement. Places of public amusement may continue services consistent with DCEO guidance for indoor and outdoor recreation (including but not limited to arcades and driving ranges), museums and aquariums, zoos and botanical gardens, theaters and performing arts, and outdoor seated spectator events. k. Requirements for film production. Film production may operate with restrictions contained in DCEO guidance. l. Minimum basic operations. All businesses may continue to: i. Perform necessary activities to maintain the value of the business’s inventory, preserve the condition of the business’s physical plant and equipment, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits, or for related functions. ii. Perform necessary activities to facilitate employees of the business being able to continue to work remotely. iii. Fulfill online and telephonic retail orders through pick-up or delivery. 4. Exemptions. The following exemptions apply to the Bridge Phase mitigation measures, as well as to the prior Phases and Tiers. I do not intend to rescind these exemptions during the disaster proclamations issued due to COVID-19. a. Free exercise of religion. This Executive Order does not limit the free exercise of religion. To protect the health and safety of faith leaders, staff, congregants and visitors, religious organizations and houses of worship are encouraged to consult and follow the recommended practices and guidelines from the Illinois Department of Public Health.3 Religious organizations are encouraged to take precautions for their congregants and visitors who are not fully vaccinated to ensure social distancing, the use of face coverings, and implementation of other public health measures. b. Emergency functions. All first responders, emergency management personnel, emergency dispatchers, court personnel, law enforcement and corrections personnel, hazardous materials responders, child protection and child welfare personnel, housing and shelter personnel, military, and other governmental __________________________________________________________________ 3 This guidance is available at: https://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/community-guidance/places-worship-guidance employees working for or to support the emergency response are exempt from this Executive Order, but are encouraged to follow recommended public health measures. c. Governmental functions. This Executive Order does not apply to the United States government and does not affect services provided by the State or any municipal, township, county, subdivision or agency of government and needed to ensure the continuing operation of the government agencies or to provide for or support the health, safety and welfare of the public. 5. Social Distancing, Face Covering, and PPE Requirements. For purposes of this Executive Order, social distancing includes maintaining at least six-foot distance from other individuals, washing hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds as frequently as possible or using hand sanitizer, covering coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not hands), regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces, and not shaking hands. a. Required measures. Businesses must take proactive measures to ensure compliance with Social Distancing Requirements, including where possible: i. Designate six-foot distances. Designating with signage, tape, or by other means six-foot spacing for employees and customers to maintain appropriate distance; ii. Hand sanitizer and sanitizing products. Having hand sanitizer and sanitizing products readily available for employees and customers; iii. Separate operating hours for vulnerable populations. Implementing separate operating hours for elderly and vulnerable customers; iv. Online and remote access. Posting online whether a facility is open and how best to reach the facility and continue services by phone or remotely; and v. Face Coverings and PPE. Providing employees with appropriate face coverings and requiring that employees who are not fully vaccinated wear face coverings where maintaining a six-foot social distance is not possible at all times. When the work circumstances require, providing employees with other PPE in addition to face coverings. 6. Enforcement. This Executive Order may be enforced by State and local law enforcement pursuant to, inter alia, Section 7, Section 15, Section 18, and Section 19 of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act, 20 ILCS 3305. Businesses must follow guidance provided or published by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity regarding safety measures during Phase IV (as modified by the Bridge Phase guidance), and the Illinois Department of Public Health, local public health departments, and the Workplace Rights Bureau of the Office of the Illinois Attorney General with respect to Social Distancing Requirements. Pursuant to Section 25(b) of the Whistleblower Act, 740 ILCS 174, businesses are prohibited from retaliating against an employee for disclosing information where the employee has reasonable cause to believe that the information discloses a violation of this Order. 7. No limitation on authority. Nothing in this Executive Order shall, in any way, alter or modify any existing legal authority allowing the State or any county, or local government body to order (1) any quarantine or isolation that may require an individual to remain inside a particular residential property or medical facility for a limited period of time, including the duration of this public health emergency, or (2) any closure of a specific location for a limited period of time, including the duration of this public health emergency. Nothing in this Executive Order shall be construed as an exercise of any authority to order any quarantine, isolation, or closure. Nothing in this Executive Order shall, in any way, alter or modify any existing legal authority allowing a county or local government body to enact provisions that are stricter than those in this Executive Order. 8. Savings clause. If any provision of this Executive Order or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, this invalidity does not affect any other provision or application of this Executive Order, which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application. To achieve this purpose, the provisions of this Executive Order are declared to be severable. This Executive Order is meant to be read consistently with any Court order regarding this Executive Order. _______________________ JB Pritzker, Governor Issued by the Governor May 17, 2021 Filed by the Secretary of State May 17, 2021 Gov. Pritzker Confirms Illinois will Enter Bridge Phase of Reopening Plan on May 14th Illinois Providers Begin Administering COVID-19 Vaccine to Youth 12 Through 15 Years Old CHICAGO –Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) confirmed today the entire state will move into the Bridge Phase of the Restore Illinois reopening plan tomorrow, Friday, May 14th. The Bridge Phase is the final step before the full reopening of Phase 5. Under Bridge Phase, there are expanded capacity limits for businesses, dining, offices, events, conferences and gatherings. Barring any significant reversals in key COVID-19 statewide indicators, including increasing hospitalizations, Illinois could enter Phase 5 as soon as Friday, June 11th. The state will continue to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance on mask-wearing in Phase 5. “Illinoisans have worked so hard over the past year and a half to keep their families and neighbors safe, and reaching Bridge Phase means that we’re closer than ever to a return to normalcy,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “To keep up this progress, I urge every eligible Illinoisan – now including 12 to 15-year-olds – to get vaccinated as soon as possible.” More than 10.3 million vaccine doses have been administered to Illinoisans at mass vaccination sites, local health departments, pharmacies, federally qualified health centers, mobile clinics, and other locations across the state. Doctors’ offices are starting to administer vaccine to their patients. Beginning today, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is available to youth ages 12 through 17 years after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday accepted the recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to expand the use of the vaccine. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are authorized for those 18 years of age and older. “The more people who are vaccinated, now including our youth as young as 12-years-old, the quicker we can end this pandemic,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “While more than 62% of adults in Illinois have received at least one dose of the vaccine, we still need more people to get vaccinated. Please talk with your doctor or health care provider if you have questions about the vaccine and know the facts so that you can make the most informed decision.” IDPH will continue to monitor the number of ICU hospital beds that are available, the number of patients who are hospitalized with COVID-19, and the number of people being newly admitted to the hospital because of COVID-19-like-illness. Should the state see a significant increase in deaths, hospitalizations, and the number of people being admitted to the hospital because of COVID-19, the state will remain in the Bridge Phase instead of moving to Phase 5. The State continues to partner with local health departments to offer vaccination clinics with religious groups, community-based organizations, mutual aid programs, neighborhood associations, and other organizations. To host a clinic in your community, sign-up at www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/vaccinationclinics. To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine, go to http://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/vaccine-faq. To find information on vaccine locations, go to https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/vaccination-location. To find vaccination locations that currently have the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine authorized for use in individuals 12 years and older, go to https://www.vaccines.gov/. Source: State of Illinois --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- May 13, 2021 TO: Westmont Restaurant Owners If you have not yet looked at the Restaurant Revitalization Fund program, please review ASAP to access funding. The process to apply is outlined below... The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has begun delivering economic relief from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to more than 16,000 approved applicants. This first round of funding represents over $2 billion of relief awarded since last Monday’s program launch. Following the 21-day priority period, all eligible applications will be funded in the order in which they have been received. While the SBA will continue accepting applications from any eligible establishment until funds are exhausted, the number of applications received so far is expected to exceed the funds authorized to the RRF. Click here to read the full announcement from SBA. Tomorrow, the IRA is launching a new call to action with the National Restaurant Association to urge Congress to replenish RRF funds as soon as possible. Stay tuned for more information.
Please contact the SBA RRF support hotline at (844) 279-8898 with questions about applying. Source: Illinois Restaurant Association ------------------------------------------------------------ March 19, 2021 Please review this information shared by the Illinois Municipal League (IML) on plans released today by the State of Illinois to move into 5th and final phase of the Restore Illinois reopening plan. This plan has an impact on every business and every resident and will determine when and how we reopen the State of Illinois. Please contact the Westmont Chamber if you have any questions on this plan. Today, Governor JB Pritzker announced the creation of a “Bridge” transition period from Phase 4 to Phase 5. More information about that announcement is available in his press release via this link. When 70% of the state’s 65 and older population has received at least one dose of a vaccine, Illinois will move into the “Bridge” transition period. The “Bridge” transition period restrictions are available via this link. After a 28-day monitoring of the “Bridge” transition period, the state will be eligible to move into Phase 5, as long as 50% or more of Illinois residents, 16 and older, have received at least one dose of a vaccine. Phase 5 will remove capacity restrictions and other regulations in place under previous mitigations and during the “Bridge” transition period. The Governor’s presentation slides from today’s press conference are available via this link. That means that if the state keeps on pace with vaccinations, community events, festivals and parades will be allowed to resume as soon as May. This could change if vaccination progress slows or if a resurgence of the virus occurs. Governor Pritzker has stated that he will not end the state’s face covering requirements until the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issues a declaration saying that it is safe to do so. The CDC’s website regarding face coverings is available via this link. Regarding vaccinations, the Governor also announced that we are on track to meet President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.’s target to have vaccines available to all adults by May 1. In Illinois, all adults 16 and older will be eligible to receive a vaccine starting Monday, April 12. The Governor may announce other categories of vaccine recipients who will become eligible prior to that date. It is recommended that all communities comply with the Governor’s executive orders and enhanced mitigations for the protection of their residents throughout this public health crisis. If a municipality wishes to deviate from the executive orders and enhanced mitigations, municipal officials should consult with their legal counsel or retained attorney prior to taking any formal or informal action that would conflict with the executive orders, as that could create liability exposure to the municipal government or those municipal officials. IDPH is providing daily updates on their COVID-19 website (available via this link) regarding the metrics used to determine each phase of the Governor’s “Restore Illinois” plan (available via this link). Those metrics include COVID-19 admissions to the region’s hospitals, the region’s COVID-19 test positivity rate and the available surge capacity at the region’s hospitals. IDPH is providing metrics for each individual county (available via this link). The State of Illinois’ central website for COVID-19 is available at coronavirus.illinois.gov. INFORMATION SOURCE: The Illinois Municipal League (IML). IML will continue to distribute timely, reliable and pertinent information as it becomes available or on an as-needed basis. Please feel welcome to share these messages with others in your community. March 9, 2021
Senate Passes $28.6B for Restaurant Relief in American Rescue Plan, House Vote Expected This Week This weekend, the Senate passed the American Rescue Plan, which includes $28.6B for dedicated restaurant relief to help save countless small businesses and jobs. The rescue plan will now be sent to the House of Representatives, which is expected to pass it as soon as tomorrow, and then the package will go to President Biden, who will sign it into law. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the IRA, our state restaurant association partners, and National Restaurant Association have fiercely advocated for this critical financial support for the restaurant and hospitality community. We thank Senators Durbin and Duckworth, Illinois' Congressional delegation, and all our supporters and partners that have been engaged in our campaign to get us to this point. This is an incredibly important milestone to get grants to restaurants, bars, caterers, and other hospitality businesses to help them pay rent, payroll, vendor expenses and more. Read more from the Washington Post:https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/03/07/restaurants-venues-covid-relief/?mkt_tok=MDc4LVpMQS00NjEAAAF7q_ZIOKEOJGrH5ewb7_7cDB6kHlYHS5Ls_zBS7Lj7crwCPSJosqulVnQH9fyjpUt2HA3FH6dMdwNj6Xt25IJfp-yjnmClIRGNwXR7mU6Y We will share additional details about the $28.6B Restaurant Revitalization Fund this week. Below are high-level components of the relief fund:
The Westmont Chamber of Commerce will share updates with our Members, be prepared to act on these grants quickly when they become available to maximize your opportunity to receive funding. Source: Illinois Restaurant Association February 3, 2021 CONTACT: [email protected] Regions 8 and 9 Move to Phase 4SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced Region 8 (DuPage, Kane), and Region 9 (Lake, McHenry) are moving to Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan effective today. Additional information about which tier and phase regions are in can be found at the top of the IDPH website homepage. A Phase 4 Guidelines Overview can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website. Phase 4 Guidelines include the following: RESTAURANTS AND BARS • Indoor dining and drinking now permitted for parties of up to 10 people • Seated areas should be arranged so that tables allow for 6 feet between parties; impermeable barriers may be installed between booths which are less than 6 feet apart RETAIL AND SERVICE COUNTER • Continue capacity limit of no more than 50% occupancy PERSONAL CARE • Continue capacity limit of no more than 50% occupancy INDOOR/OUTDOOR RECREATION • Reopening select indoor recreation facilities (e.g., bowling alleys, skating rinks); indoor playgrounds and trampoline parks should remain closed • Indoor recreation to operate at lesser of 50 customers or 50% of facility capacity MUSEUMS • Capacity limit of no more than 25% occupancy • Guided tours should be limited to 50 or fewer people per group MEETINGS AND SOCIAL EVENTS • Limit to the lesser of 50 people or 50% of room capacity • Multiple groups may meet in the same facility if they are socially distanced and in separate rooms IDPH will continue to closely monitor test positivity, ICU bed availability, and the number of people in the hospital with COVID-19. Should data show regions trending in the wrong direction, based on the established mitigation metrics, regions could once again find themselves in a higher tier with increased measures. Information about mitigation and resurgence metrics can be found on the IDPH website at http://www.dph.illinois.gov/regionmetrics. Attachments December 23, 2020
Updated Guide on COVID-19 Relief Funds The U.S. Chamber has created a new Guide to Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Loans to provide our Westmont Chamber of Commerce Members with the latest information and answers to FAQs about the changes that have been made to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) Program as part of the end-of-year pandemic relief package Congress has passed. Please contact the Westmont Chamber or your banking representative if you need additional information. October 23, 2020 Breaking News from DuPage County - New Grant Program Under Review Application Submittal Timing Will be URGENT DuPage County is considering the approval of a new grant program for restaurants and bars throughout the county. The Westmont Chamber is encouraging the County to approve this proposed grant program. Here are the basic grant program details along with criteria and eligibility restrictions as currently under consideration: When: If DuPage County Board approves the grant program on October 27th, the program is expected to go live within one day. How Much Funding is Available: $2.5 million in the grant program funding pool Business Revenue Limit to Qualify: $4 million max revenue from the restaurant (2019) Maximum Grant Available: $15,000 per approved grant Employee Limit: No limit on number of employees COVID-19 Loss Covered: 50% of revenue from Food and Beverage Grant Participation: Eligible if you have NOT received county money from the current program Stay tuned, the Westmont Chamber will keep our Members updated. As with the recent grant program, it is URGENT to apply for the grant ASAP to maximize your chance of being approved to receive the grant. With a limit of $2.5 million in funding available and grants awarded up to $15,000, the funds could be consumed by 166 grant applications. If you have any questions, please contact me and as always the Westmont Chamber of Commerce is here to help. The following is information pertaining to restaurants that should be beneficial:
Gov. Pritzker Releases Guidelines to Safely Reopen Additional Businesses and Industries as State Advances to Next Phase of Restore Illinois Office of the Governor JB Pritzker FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, Jun. 22, 2020 CONTACT [email protected] Gov. Pritzker Releases Guidelines to Safely Reopen Additional Businesses and Industries as State Advances to Next Phase of Restore Illinois 400,000 Illinois residents set to return to work as state moves into Phase 4 on June 26; New guidelines will allow key leisure, recreation and business sectors to safely reopen CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker today released plans to safely continue reopening businesses and industries as Illinois moves into Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan. Working with public health officials and business representatives, guidelines were developed to keep workers and customers safe as the economy recovers. All four regions of the state are currently on track to move into Phase 4 on June 26 as the state continues to make significant progress in reducing new COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, with the average 7-day statewide case positivity rate falling to just 2.5 percent as of June 20. Phase 4 allows for the safe reopening or expansion of several key business segments – such as health and fitness, movies and theater, museums and zoos, as well as indoor dining at restaurants. Phase 4 also allows for expanded gathering sizes, increasing the limit from 10 in Phase 3, to 50 people or fewer. This expanded gathering limit extends to key activities like meetings, events, and funerals. For full guidance and other resources visit: Illinois.gov/businessguidelines. “Over the last four months, Illinoisans have pulled together with the common mission of keeping each other safe. By staying home and practicing social distancing, the rate of new COVID-19 cases continues to drop and each region throughout the state is prepared to move to Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Science and data are the overarching guardrails for how Illinois will keep moving forward. By continuing to wear face coverings and following the guidance from health experts we can continue to safely reopen our economy and move forward together. “The state of Illinois has made great progress in slowing the spread of COVID-19, largely because of the measures our administration enacted to protect residents and communities during this public health crisis,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “Our strategy to encourage social distancing and expand testing and contact tracing will enable Illinois communities to continue to take steps to reopen, to return to work and to resume daily activities.” The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) collaborated closely with local governments, businesses, and other stakeholders in the development of guidelines for Phase 4. In all, more than 150 businesses and regional partners were consulted on the guidelines developed with IDPH to ensure alignment with the State’s Restore Framework and the latest public health data. “From the beginning, our administration has worked tirelessly to find solutions for businesses and communities impacted by this crisis so they can reopen safely,” said DCEO Acting Director, Michael Negron. “These new guidelines for Phase 4 represent our continued progress in overcoming the virus and will make way for hundreds of thousands more to return to work, and for more Illinoisans and Illinois businesses to come back into the economy.” To ensure businesses can reopen safely, the state released a common set of standards expected of all employers, while also outlining industry-specific guidelines using a risk-based approach to support unique operational needs of businesses across the state. Industry guidance will help businesses and residents feel safe in returning to many of these new activities that have been closed for the past several months. Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan creates safety guidelines for the following permitted activities and businesses to resume, with capacity rules in place:
Additionally, retail, service counters, offices, personal care (including salons, barber, nail salons), manufacturing and other industries allowed to reopen in Phase 3 will continue to operate at a reduced capacity. To help businesses prepare to reopen and remain in compliance with new guidelines over the next two weeks, DCEO has released a new set of downloadable materials. Business toolkits are complete with signage, training checklists and other resources to help business owners and workers implement safety procedures and adhere to the latest capacity restrictions. Materials for businesses and operators pertaining to Phases 3 and 4 of the Restore Plan, can be found at Illinois.gov/businessguidelines. During Phase 4, common public health standards remain in effect – including the use of face coverings and social distancing. Industry-specific guidelines may vary but are designed to help employers, workers and residents feel safe in transitioning to the next phase of reopening the state. All industries should continue to conduct regular cleanings, employee health screenings upon entry and mid-shift, and allow employees who can continue working from home to do so. The state’s move to Phase 4 of the plan is expected to bring approximately 400,000 additional Illinoisans back to the workplace across all industries. While Phase 4 marks the return of 7 percent of the state’s workforce, it accounts for about $30 billion in annual GDP returned to operations and represents continuous progress towards fully reopening the state’s economy. Phase 4 guidelines were designed by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) in coordination with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to ensure that as more activities and businesses resume operations, policies are in place to protect the health and safety of Illinois residents. To help businesses that have been impacted or closed as a result of COVID-19, earlier this week Governor Pritzker announced an additional $85 million will be made available through two new grant programs designed to help alleviate the burden for businesses hit hardest by COVID-19. The new Business Interruption Grants Program (BIG) will make $60 million available for up to 3,500 businesses experiencing losses and/or unable to fully reopen until Phase 4 or 5. This program is earmarked specifically for restaurants which haven’t been permitted to allow outdoor dining, health and fitness centers, barbershops and salons, and other businesses located in disproportionately impacted areas (DIAs) of the state. The second initiative, the Distressed Capital Program brings forward $25 million in Rebuild Illinois capital funds to help those businesses sustaining damages as a result of events related to civil unrest begin to restore and repair. Both programs will give priority to minority-owned businesses, or businesses located in DIAs. Together, these programs mark over $150 million in assistance made available since the onset of COVID-19 to help businesses with urgent needs. More information on these programs and other available grant opportunities can be found on DCEO's website. “Today’s announcement confirms that the state of Illinois is ready to safely reopen,” said Sam Toia, President and CEO, Illinois Restaurant Association. “As one of the most highly regulated industries when it comes to health and sanitation standards, restaurants are ready and equipped to safely welcome guests back for dine-in service, and with the world-class hospitality diners have missed. These guidelines will also greatly help restaurants begin to recover from this catastrophic business period. We commend Governor Pritzker and his team on a well-informed approach that keeps public health the priority while acknowledging restaurants’ expertise and giving our industry hope for a rebound.” “We think the state's Phase IV guidelines are a good step forward to getting the film production industry back to work and to where we were before the shut down,” said Mark Hogan, Business Manager/Secretary Treasurer of IATSE Local 476 Chicago Studio Mechanics. “We are making the safety of our crews priority number one, and we will work within these guidelines to ensure everyone on a production remains safe and healthy." "As a minority woman in a male dominated industry, the State's minority owned business grant presents boundless opportunities for the continued growth and competitiveness of my company -- all while we continue to navigate the impacts of this crisis,” said Edith De La Cruz, President of Antigua Construction. “State assistance will allow me to move from a small storefront operation to a new company headquarters with dedicated space for project management, estimating and a training center. I am grateful to the Governor and the State of Illinois for their continued guidance on reopening and for putting in place programs to help minority and women owned businesses succeed.” “When we learned we were awarded a $10,000 DCEO Hospitality Emergency Grant, we were not only thankful, but relieved,” said Casa Mia Lounge and Restaurant owner Phil Hoffman. “The grant helped us get through May, and now new state guidance allows us to look forward to Phase 4 and fully reopening when it is safe to do so.” “The advertising industry is anxious to begin filming commercial work again and progressing to phase 4 will allow many more productions to consider filming in Illinois safely,” said Lisa Masseur, AICP Midwest President and EP / Founder of Tessa Films. “We look forward to the influx in business and getting back to work safely with the local talent and crew in IL.” “The Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs surveyed thousands of our members across the state and participated in countless peer learning discussions with Y’s across the country who have reopened safely. We are grateful to DCEO for allowing us the opportunity to share this feedback as they solicited input for reopening fitness centers and youth sports programs safely during Phase 4,” said Mike Wennekamp, President of the Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs and CEO of Two Rivers YMCA. "As the leader in making healthy lifestyles accessible to everyone in Illinois, regardless of income or background, our top priority is always the safety of every YMCA constituent, employee and guest.” “No one works harder to promote health and fitness than the 58,000 Illinoisans of the health club and fitness studio industry,” said Steven Schwartz, CEO of Midtown Athletic Clubs and Chair of the Illinois Fitness Alliance. “Clubs and studios are excited to welcome their members back to a safe and clean environment to resume their fitness routines. A strong immune system is the best defense and nothing takes a bigger toll on your body than a sedentary lifestyle. Our industry is made up of small businesses and we’ve been taken to the brink. These guidelines are a first step for clubs and studios to get back on their feet. We appreciate The Governor’s team of DCEO and IDPH staff working with us to safely reopen. We are committed to making Illinois stronger!” “Today's announcement marks the first steps forward for our cultural sector to begin its gradual reopening process for museums, cinemas, and performing arts venues,” said Claire Rice, Executive Director, Arts Alliance Illinois. “We look forward to continuing to work with Illinois public health officials as Phase 4 progresses, to prioritize health and safety while exploring every possible opportunity to get our incredible creative community working and fully contributing to the innovation and inspiration economy across our state once again.” “Very early during this pandemic, DCEO was ray of light during a time when no one knew what was happening, what was next,” said Johanna Torres, CEO of the Language Loop, LLC. “Thanks to DCEO’s guidance and immeasurable support, my small business was able to obtain funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program that we desperately needed to continue providing our language training services. We also appreciate the guidance provided to businesses like our so that we can make plans to reopen in a way that's safe for our employees as well as customers.” Click here for Phase 4 Guidelines Overview June 17, 2020: Gov. Pritzker announces $900 Million Package of Equity-Driven Community and Business Grant Programs.
Programs include funding for Emergency Rental Assistance, Emergency Mortgage Assistance, Distressed Capital Program, Poverty Alleviation Strategies, and the New Business Interruption Grants Program mentioned below. Click here for the full press release ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- June 17, 2020: ILLINOIS BUSINESSES - NEW BUSINESS INTERRUPTION GRANT PROGRAM Application opens June 23rd The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will launch the first round of Business Interruption Grants (BIG) by providing $60 million to businesses experiencing losses or business interruption as a result of COVID-19 related closures. The BIG Program is available for up to 3,500 businesses that experienced a limited ability to operate due to COVID-19 related closures. DCEO will begin distributing funds to qualifying businesses in early July. The total program funding will amount to at least $540 million in grants for small businesses, $270 of which has been set aside for childcare providers, and is funded by the CARES Act. In the first wave of grants, priority will be given to small businesses that have been heavily restricted or completely shut down during the pandemic and are located in DIAs. Businesses eligible for the program must have experienced extreme hardship, demonstrated by eligible costs or losses in excess of the grant amount, since March and may continue to face depressed revenues or closure. Businesses must also have been in operation for at least three months prior to March 2020. An emphasis will also be placed on those businesses that are located in areas that have experienced recent property damage due to civil unrest, exacerbating the economic impacts of COVID-19. Specifically, the program includes support for:
DCEO will make the application for BIG available on Monday, June 22. The Illinois SBDC at SIU will get more information on this program as it comes available. If you have any questions or need assistance when this program becomes available, you can reach us at [email protected] or 618.536.2424. Copyright © 2020 Illinois Small Business Development Center at SIU, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: Illinois Small Business Development Center at SIU 1740 Innovation Dr Carbondale, IL 62903-6102 RESTORE ILLINOIS - PHASE 3 PLAN
Phase 3 Guidelines for Reopening Business and Returning People to Work Safely (click here) NEW MODIFICATIONS TO PAYROLL PROTECTION PROGRAM SIGNED BY PRESIDENT
President Donald Trump signed into law the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Flexibility Act of 2020, which provides borrowers with greater flexibility in spending PPP funds without compromising forgiveness eligibility. The act makes the following amendments to the PPP to provide relief to borrowers: Covered Period Extension - Extends the covered period during which borrowers must spend the PPP funds to be eligible for forgiveness from 8 weeks to 24 weeks. Loan Repayment Terms - Extends the minimum loan term for unforgiven PPP loans from 2 years to 5 years. Payroll Costs vs. Non-Payroll Costs - Reduces the forgiveness portion of PPP funds that must be spent on payroll costs from 75% to 60%, and raises the non-payroll cost limitation from 25% to 40%. Payroll Tax Deferment - Permits borrowers to defer payroll taxes without being penalized while still remaining eligible for loan forgiveness. Rehiring Safe Harbor - Extends the rehiring safe harbor by 6 months to provide borrowers with additional time to restore payroll levels or rehire employees without facing a reduction in the amount of forgiveness for which they are eligible. The original date was June 30, 2020, and the new date is Dec. 31, 2020. Inability to Hire - Provides loan forgiveness eligibility exemptions for borrowers that are not able to rehire an employee or a replacement. There are also exemptions for loan forgiveness eligibility for borrowers that are not able to return to the same level of business due to complying with COVID-19-related orders or circumstances. We anticipate the U.S. Small Business Administration and Treasury to release a new forgiveness application form and a new round of FAQs over the next 1 to 2 weeks. SOURCE: Employco, Westmont, Illinois SBA Releases PPP Loan Forgiveness Application and Instructions (May 18, 2020)
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application and Instructions. The new 11-page document includes references to "several measures to reduce compliance burdens and simplify the process for borrowers, including:"
Small Business Relief Grant Program - A program to support DuPage County small businesses and independent contractors impacted by COVID-19.
In an effort to assist small businesses and independent contractors impacted by COVID-19, DuPage County in conjunction with Choose DuPage is providing grants to use for employee retention payroll, utilities, and rent. Applications will be accepted online beginning Monday, May 18th. Click here to register for informational webinar Click here to visit the website DuPage County Launches Reinvest DuPage program (May 12, 2020) Click here for Press Release Small Business COVID-19 Relief Program
The Business Invest - Illinois Small Business COVID-19 Relief Program (“Program”) is an impact investment loan program under which the State Treasurer has made up to $500 million in deposits available to banks and credit unions throughout the state, at near-zero rates, to assist Illinois small business and non-profits negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here for more info DCEO Layoff Aversion Funding AvailableThe Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is making Statewide Rapid Response funds available to support small businesses facing the financial impacts from COVID‐19. Grant funds are now available to support employers with layoff aversion activities.
The funding range for COVID‐19 Layoff Aversion funding is $5,000 ‐ $50,000 per employer. Funds may be used to support:
MAY 1st Stay-at-Home Order
IMPORTANT UPDATE: We have an important goal to keep our Members updated on key information and resources related to COVID-19. The Stay-at-Home Order has been extended by Governor J.B. Pritzker. He has announced he will extend Illinois’ stay-at-home order through May 30th. The current order expires April 30th. The new order will be filed next week and takes effect May 1st. Highlights of the changes to the stay-at-home order from the Governor’s press release: • OUTDOOR RECREATION: State parks will begin a phased re-opening under guidance from the Department of Natural Resources. Fishing and boating in groups of no more than two people will be permitted. A list of parks that will be open on May 1 and additional guidelines can be found on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Golf will be permitted under strict safety guidelines provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and when ensuring that social distancing is followed. • NEW ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES: Greenhouses, garden centers and nurseries may re-open as essential businesses. These stores must follow social distancing requirements and must require that employees and customers wear a face covering. Animal grooming services may also re-open. • NON-ESSENTIAL RETAIL: Retail stores not designated as non-essential businesses and operations may re-open to fulfill telephone and online orders through pick-up outside the store and delivery. • FACE COVERINGS: Beginning on May 1, individuals will be required to wear a face-covering or a mask when in a public place where they can’t maintain a six-foot social distance. Face- coverings will be required in public indoor spaces, such as stores. This new requirement applies to all individuals over the age of two who are able to medically tolerate a face-covering or a mask. • ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES AND MANUFACTURING: Essential businesses and manufacturers will be required to provide face-coverings to all employees who are not able to maintain six-feet of social distancing, as well as follow new requirements that maximize social distancing and prioritize the well-being of employees and customers. This will include occupancy limits for essential businesses and precautions such as staggering shifts and operating only essential lines for manufacturers. • SCHOOLS: Educational institutions may allow and establish procedures for pick-up of necessary supplies or student belongings. Dormitory move-outs must follow public health guidelines, including social distancing. • HEALTH CARE PROCEDURES: The Illinois Department of Public Health will also be issuing guidance to surgi-centers and hospitals to allow for certain elective surgeries for non-life- threatening conditions, starting on May 1. Facilities will need to meet specific criteria, including proper PPE, ensuring enough overall space for COVID-19 patients remains available, and testing of elective surgery patients to ensure COVID-19 negative status. Worker’s Compensation Emergency Rules Lawsuit Filed: A coalition of business interests filed a lawsuitthis week in Sangamon County Circuit Court challenging the Worker’s Compensation Emergency Rules that will require employers to pay workers’ compensation benefits if an employee is diagnosed with COVID-19 without proof the illness was contracted at the workplace. The Illinois Manufacturers Association and the Illinois Retail Merchants Association argue that the Commission did not have the authority to make the changes through emergency rule; rather those type of substantive changes must be made legislatively. Please contact the Westmont Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau Staff via email with any questions, comments or recommendations that we can provide back to our Chamber Board and State Leadership. Larry Forssberg Executive Director Source: DMMC COVID-19 Small Business Loans
Payroll Tax Credits
The U.S. Treasury Department, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the U.S. Department of Labor (Labor) announced that small and midsize employers can begin taking advantage of two new refundable payroll tax credits, designed to immediately and fully reimburse them, dollar-for-dollar, for the cost of providing Coronavirus-related leave to their employees. You can find out more in the press release. Outside Resources
Center for Disease Control (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html DuPage Health Department https://www.dupagehealth.org// Illinois Department of Public Health http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus World Health Organization https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 More Links
For more information on COVID-19 in Illinois please see the Illinois Coronavirus Response website. For more information on COVID-19 business updates please see the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Combating the Coronavirus website. For more information on IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief see the following pages: For more information on Unemployment resources please see COVID-19 and Unemployment Benefits WESTMONT COMMUNITY INFORMATION
List of Westmont Restaurants Open For Your Business! List of Westmont Grocery Stores with Special Hours For Seniors List of Westmont Businesses Open Interested in Helping Others?Let us know if you have information, expertise or services you'd like to provide to community residents in need.
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