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/
.
This morning, the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and the Illinois Retail Merchants Association filed a lawsuit to block the new emergency rules from the Workers’ Compensation Commission that would create an automatic presumption that the workplace caused a worker to become infected with COVID-19. Our lawsuit seeks a Temporary Restraining Order on the grounds that the IWCC exceeded its rulemaking authority. We hope for a hearing by the end of the week. Click to read the
complaint,
TRO motion
, and the
exhibits
. More than two dozen trade associations are supporting our effort to protect Illinois companies.
Mayor Lightfort introduced a new
Anti-Retaliation ordinance
aimed at preventing employers from terminating or demoting an employee who is adhering to an COVID-19 related order issued by the Mayor, Governor or Chicago Department of Public Health. Acts protected under this ordinance include, but are not limited to, remaining at home while experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and obeying quarantine orders. An FAQ on the ordinance can be found
here
.
Yesterday, the Unites States Senate passed another economic stimulus package (Phase 3.5) that adds another $484 billion in funding, including an additional $310 billion for the Paycheck Protection Plan with $60 billion set aside for small businesses. Hospitals will receive $75 billion and a national testing program will operate. The measure is now in front of the House.
Daily COVID-19 Results
Governor JB Pritzker held his daily press conference and announced:
- There are 2,049 new cases of coronavirus in Illinois.
- There are a total of 1,565 deaths related to coronavirus in Illinois, including 98 additional deaths announced today.
- A total of 35,108 cases have been confirmed in at least 96 of the 102 counties.
- There have been 164,346 individuals tested for coronavirus in Illinois.
Press Conference Key Updates
- The state announced two additional state-run drive-thru COVID-19 testing sites that will increase Illinois' drive-thru testing capacity to 2,900 tests a day. The new sites are located in Aurora and Rockford and a complete list of testing sites can be found here.
- It was announced that the COVID-19 Response Fund, created to support local community organizations and non-profits across the state, has raised $30 million and will be distributing $4.8 million this week to non-profits around the state who are working to provide food, shelter, healthcare and more during this time. To donate or request funds, visit ilcovidresponsefund.org.
Employer Resources & Programs
U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia will be hosting a stakeholder briefing on Thursday, April 23rd at 2:00 PM EDT on actions taken by the U.S. Department of Labor in response to COVID-19. Senior DOL officials will provide briefing participants with information on a variety of topics, including:
- Status of Unemployment Insurance Programs
- Workforce Safety
- Implementation of Paid Sick Leave and Expanded Family Medical Leave