Over the past few days, Governor Pritzker has been offering daily updates and guidelines on some of the measures recommended to ensure minimal spreading of the coronavirus.
While the coronavirus is changing how we go about our daily lives, it’s important to remain calm and to take proper precautions. Right now, the best possible thing you can do to help is to stay home unless it’s absolutely necessary to venture out. Regardless of your health or age, it is vital that we take this recommendation seriously, as preventing further spread of the disease is the key to keeping you, your family, and our community healthy.
I also want to tell you about measures the government is taking to try to mitigate the economic harm this situation is causing so many. Read below for information about how you may qualify for unemployment benefits if you've suddenly found yourself unemployed during this outbreak.
Sincerely,
Heather A. Steans
State Senator, 7th Illinois Senate District
Unemployment benefits
The Illinois Department of Employment Security has extended the availability of unemployment benefits to those unable to work due to COVID-19. You can read about the specifics of what qualifies for unemployment insurance and how you can apply for it at the IDES website here.
Food assistance
These food pantries may have limited hours during this pandemic. Please call or view their websites prior to your visit.
For those who are able and willing, donations to these food banks are much appreciated.
Further updates on government response to COVID-19
Among other measures the government is taking:
- The Illinois State Board of Education is working to provide meals every day to all students, no questions asked.
- All bars and restaurants are closed as of Monday, March 16 at 9 p.m. Restaurants will have take-out, drive-thru and delivery options still available.
- All gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited starting Wednesday, March 18. Grocery stores, pharmacies and medical facilities are exempt. However, fitness clubs, theaters, religious services, and bowling alleys are included.
- To provide some relief to local eateries during the coming weeks, Grubhub is suspending commissions and Uber Eats is waiving delivery fees on orders from independent restaurants. Some larger restaurants are offering free delivery. Many delivery services have introduced no- or low-contact delivery options.
- Ameren and ComEd are suspending any disconnections and waiving late payment fees. Other major utility companies, like People’s Gas and Nicor, are suspending disconnections as well.
- The Attorney General’s Office will work to impose a moratorium on utilities shut-offs in the immediate term.
- AT&T, Comcast, Verizon and others are preserving telecom services.
- The Illinois Department of Employment Security is allowing workers who are unemployed due to COVID-19 to apply for unemployment.
- All Illinois Secretary of State offices and Driver Services facilities are closed to the public through March 31. Expiration dates for driver’s licenses, ID cards, vehicle registration and other transactions will be extended by 30 days. More information and some services are available online.
- The Small Business Administration is providing disaster assistance loans for small businesses impacted by COVID-19.
- In order to apply for an emergency injury disaster declaration from the Small Business Administration, Illinois needs data from businesses across the state. If your business has been affected by COVID-19, please complete this online survey.
- The Illinois Attorney General’s office encourages residents to file a complaint if they notice price gouging on essential items related to the coronavirus outbreak, including hand sanitizer, cleaning products and protective gear.
For daily updates on what the state is doing, check the Illinois Department of Public Health’s website.