Updates to the Executive Order that Apply to Consumers and Businesses
Remember our Local Restaurants
Where to Buy Face Coverings
Dear Neighbors,

The Governor's latest Executive Order expands the types of businesses that can be open; additionally, all retail stores can open if they offer curbside pickup or delivery.

As employees, owners and managers, we need to know the rules. Our Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce provides up to date resources for this new phase of our recovery from the coronavirus. Please save this newsletter as a reference, and please share it with others.

The Chamber is an important partner with our office and offers separate newsletters addressing the community and businesses. Sign up for one of them here. Read their most recent newsletter here.
Return to Work:
Critical Information for Employers as Employees Return to the Workplace
Free Webinar
Monday, May 4, 2020
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Please join attorneys from Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C. for a free webinar covering what employers need to know to prepare for employees re-entering the workplace after pandemic-related closures or remote work situations. The panelists will cover topics including: when can you require employees to return to work, interactions with customers and vendors, medical testing, and employee policies.

Registration is limited to the first 500 participants, so please sign up early to get your questions answered. The program will be available for viewing on demand afterward. Find out more here.
Updates to the Executive Order That Apply to Businesses and Consumers

Business owners must comply with these restrictions beginning May 1. Consumers should expect businesses to follow these regulations and to comply with them as well. In particular, the Executive Order requires all of us to wear face coverings in all indoor public spaces. like stores.

NEW Categories of Businesses Considered Essential
The following businesses will be considered essential and may re-open beginning May 1:
  • Animal Grooming Services
  • Greenhouses, Garden Centers and Nurseries
These businesses are considered essential businesses under the previous Stay at Home Order. All essential businesses must follow the social distancing requirements outlined below.

NEW Permissible Activities for Non-Essential Businesses
Beginning May 1, retail stores that are not designated as essential may re-open to fulfill online or telephone orders. These orders must be completed through pick-up outside of the store or delivery. All non-essential businesses engaged in minimum basic activities such as these must follow the social distancing requirements outlined below.

Requirements for all Businesses to Protect Employees and Consumers
Effective May 1, all businesses are required to take the following steps to the greatest extent possible:
  • Provide employees with face coverings
  • Require that employees wear face coverings if they are unable to maintain a six-foot distance at all times
  • Where work circumstances require it, provide additional Personal Protective Equipment
  • Evaluate whether employees are able to work from home

This applies to all essential businesses and non-essential businesses that are engaged in minimum basic operations. These are in addition to existing requirements which include:
  • designating six-foot distance in the store for customers
  • having hand sanitizer and sanitizing products available
  • designating separate operating hours for vulnerable populations
  • posting online whether a business is open and how best to reach the facility.

In addition, all Illinois businesses that have employees physically reporting to a worksite are REQUIRED to post in their place of business this “Workplace Health and Safety Guidance for Employees and Staff ” poster,

For more information, visit chicago.gov/coronavirus.

You Need to Eat!
Remember these Local Restaurants

One thing we can all do for our community is to help support our local businesses.

It's hard to remember all of our neighborhood favorites, and it's time to learn some new ones.

Here are some great lists to review:



And don't forget to #LoveLincolnPark and play LoveLincolnPark Bingo when you shop and dine.
Shop In Place Chicago

Our retail stores are open and we can shop from home.

Want to see who's open and what's available? Visit the Shop in Place website , started by the University of Chicago's Clinic on Entrepreneurship


Only products or services that can be purchased with low- or no-contact will be accepted.
Just for Businesses
Information You Can Use
Lincoln Park Economic Impact Survey

To assess the economic impact and business needs of our community, the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce has created the Lincoln Park Economic Impact Survey. This information will be shared with local and state elected officials to illustrate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business community and help shape future funding and relief measures.

Please share this with everyone you know who owns a business.


Restaurants and other businesses need to have everything in place to re-open or operate in a contactless environment. Here are guidelines from the National Restaurant Association and guidance from the Centers for Disease Controls.
Amend Your Lease

Here is a free, quick, and easy template for renegotiating commercial lease contracts in the time of COVID-19,intended to relieve pressures on small businesses, and retain paying tenants for landlords. Brought to you by the University of Chicago. (Note: this does not constitute legal advice).
Another potential business support is the federal Employee Retention Credit. The Employee Retention Credit under the CARES Act encourages businesses to keep employees on their payroll. The refundable tax credit is 50% of up to $10,000 in wages paid by an eligible employer whose business has been financially impacted by COVID-19.

This credit is available to businesses that have not received a Paycheck Protection Program loan. Learn more here .
Where to Buy Face Coverings

Here is a list we have accumulated thus far about where to buy face coverings from in person (curb delivery) or on on the web. Know more local businesses? Post them on our Facebook page or email us at yourvoice@ward43.org.





May the 4th Be With You,
And Wear a Face Covering


Coronavirus Resources :

If you have any additional questions, please email:  coronavirus@chicago.gov  or call 312-746-4835

The Doctor Is In: Ask Dr. Arwady. Live-stream by Chicago Health Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D., daily at 11:00 am on  Twitter and  Facebook Live.

Sign up to receive the latest updates on Coronavirus:  https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/VwvbSW5/coronavirus
State of Illinois
 
Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
43rd Ward Virtual Office Hours: M - F 9 AM - 5 PM 
  2523 N Halsted  |  773-348-9500 yourvoice@ward43.org www.ward43.org