The Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) recently issued COVID-19 Mitigation Order 2021-5, which increases capacity limits in bars, restaurants and event spaces to the lesser of 50% or 50 people. The order also includes masking language that reinforces the need for anyone age two and older who can medically tolerate wearing masks to do so in public places.

COVID-19 metrics continue to improve, allowing the CCDPH to align with the Chicago Department of Public Health and the Stickney Township Public Health District and ease mitigation restrictions in suburban Cook County. The order is effective immediately.

For the latest COVID-19 vaccination information in suburban Cook County or to make an appointment to be vaccinated, visit the CCDPH website.

Building on the success of the recently completed small business grant program, Will County has taken steps to begin creating another program designed to provide financial assistance for small businesses. The Will County Board approved the move Feb. 26 during a special meeting.

In anticipation of another round of stimulus funds provided by the federal government through the American Rescue Plan, the Board took the pro-active steps to authorize the County Executive to create the Small Business Stimulus Grant Program.

Visit the Will County website for more information.

The Illinois Restaurant Association (IRA) will host a webinar titled "Managing Your Taxes, Finance and Cash Flow" at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 11.

Panelists from the IRA and Plante Moran and Taft Law will provide expert ideas and guidance for your taxes and finances, as well as info on the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) and more.

The webinar is provided in partnership with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Cook County Community Recovery Initiative. Registration is required by visiting the event's page.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's (DCEO) Office of Regional Economic Development and the Office of Minority Economic Empowerment will host a webinar for veterans from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, March 18.

The meeting will include Illinois Joining Forces Executive Director Brig. General (Ret.) Steve Curda, Ph.D. and Jim Dolan, Sr. Director of Development with Illinois Joining Forces.

Illinois Joining Forces serves as a statewide public/private partnership that promotes the efficient delivery of growth and wellness initiatives for service members, veterans and their families at the community level throughout Illinois. Registration is required by visiting the event's webpage.

The Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of International Trade and the Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) will host a webinar titled "Taking Veteran-Owned Businesses into the Global Marketplace" from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 24.

Veterans have unique experiences and contact networks that can help facilitate global sales success. Companies engaged in international trade earn higher revenues, employ more and stay in business longer than those that do not. Join the meeting for::

Register online to participate in the webinar.