IMA COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update - #43
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:
 
  1. There are 2,049 new cases of coronavirus in Illinois.
  2. There are a total of 1,565 deaths related to coronavirus in Illinois, including 98 additional deaths announced today.
  3. A total of 35,108 cases have been confirmed in at least 96 of the 102 counties.
  4. 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

To register for the event, please click here .
Mark Denzler
President & CEO
Illinois Manufacturers' Association
Disclaimer : The information in this email is provided for general informational purposes only as a benefit of your membership in the Illinois Manufacturers' Association. No information contained in this email should be construed as legal advice from the IMA or the individual author, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.