The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association has been communicating directly with manufacturers across Illinois as the situation changes and will continue posting resources online at the IMA’s dedicated page
www.ima-net.org/covid-19/
.
The IMA expects that Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot will announced a
“shelter in place”
policy this evening during her special 5:00 p.m. televised address. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is reportedly looking at a “shelter in place” policy as well. The IMA has engaged in numerous discussions with both Administrations for days and
sent a letter
asking that all manufacturing be deemed essential. The IMA will immediately provide an analysis for our member companies if these policies are enacted.
Governor JB Pritzker held his daily press briefing this afternoon and offered several updates:
- There are three new fatalities and a total of four deaths related to the coronavirus
- There are 136 new cases of the coronavirus in Illinois
- A total of 422 cases have been confirmed in 17 of 102 counties.
New or critical items of note that were discussed today by the Governor and local leaders.
- Illinois’ small business may now start applying for disaster assistance loans up to $2 million with the Small Business Administration.
- Many grocery stores are now offering early shopping hours for senior citizens with enhanced spacing. A list of stores may be found here.
- Illinois’ new website for all novel coronavirus information.
- The Governor is delaying sales tax collections for 60 days for restaurants and bars.
- An executive order will allow individuals to use telehealth services and be reimbursed by private insurers and Medicaid.
Employer Resources & Programs
The IMA is offering two conference calls next week to update manufacturers and businesses about changing laws, rules, and regulations.
On Monday afternoon, the IMA call will feature panelists focused on sanitation best practices, the recently enacted Families First legislation and employer legal obligations, effective communication with employees, and health steps to take with employees and product .
To register, please click here
.
Tuesday morning, the IMA will host the Thomas Chan, Director of the Illinois Department of Employment Security for a presentation on unemployment insurance programs and impact on employers and employees.
To register, please click here
.
The Village of Oak Park issued a “shelter in place” policy earlier today. The IMA successfully received a legal opinion from the village attorney that food manufacturing is considered essential.
President Trump and Congress passed a new Families First law that provides for paid sick leave and extended FLMA benefits. Scott Cruz and Greensfelder prepared an
analysis of the new law
that we will also discuss next week on Monday’s call.
