WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17

Chicago Moving into Phase 1C of Vaccine Distribution, Restaurant and Hospitality Workers Eligible Starting March 29 This afternoon, Mayor Lightfoot and Dr. Allison Arwady announced that the city of Chicago will be moving into Phase 1C of vaccine distribution effective Monday, March 29. Phase 1C includes restaurant and bar workers, and people 16 to 64 with underlying conditions. Restaurant and hospitality employees can check with ZocDoc.com starting Monday, March 29 for availability. While the sign up for Phase 1C begins Monday, March 29, Dr. Arwady noted she predicts most people in Phase 1C will get their vaccine throughout April and May, due to the current low availability of vaccine supply. Vaccine supply will be ramping up in coming months based on federal predictions. The IRA continues to advocate that hospitality workers should receive prioritization in Phase 1C. Click here to visit the city of Chicago's vaccine distribution webpage. Read more: Chicago Tribune - Chicago to begin vaccinating those with health conditions and remaining essential workers on March 29, Mayor Lori Lightfoot says CBS Chicago - ‘Most Chicagoans Will Be Eligible To Get COVID Vaccine’: Dr. Arwady Says City On Track To Move Into Phase 1C Starting March 29

IRA Advocating for Expanded Reopening, State Announcement Expected This Week on Phase 4 Updates The IRA continues to urge local and state leaders to loosen regulations to increase the number of guests that restaurants, bars, and events are allowed to safely serve on a daily basis. Last week, the IRA met with Governor Pritzker's team, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and other industry stakeholders to discuss an updated path forward with pragmatic regulations to allow larger gatherings and events more quickly. The state is expected to make an announcement within the next few days on updates to the Restore Illinois plan's current Phase 4 guidance. Read more: Daily Herald - Can state strike a balance for a more 'normal' summer? What officials say Crain's Chicago Business - Illinois Restaurant Association pushes for looser COVID-19 limits Chicago Tribune - Gov. J.B. Pritzker set to loosen rules gradually before full reopening of Illinois — but Dr. Ngozi Ezike says for now, ‘we’re not getting rid of masks’

Celebrating Safe Patrick's Day

Cheers to all operators and patrons who enjoyed a "Safe Patrick's Day" over last weekend and shared the IRA's campaign on social media. We encourage all restaurants, bars, and diners to continue to celebrate safely during today's festivities. Pictured above, IRA First Vice Chairman Kevin Vaughan of Vaughan Hospitality has been welcoming guests safely at Emerald Loop all week long. Over the weekend, Chicago's restaurants and bars were overwhelmingly operating in compliance with local and state regulations. In fact, only one citation was issued by the city of Chicago for noncompliance.

House Votes to Extend PPP Until May 31 Earlier today, the U.S. House voted to extend the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for two months. The bill, the PPP Extension Act of 2021, passed the House on a 415-3 vote. It would extend the program to May 31, instead of the current date of March 31, and give the Small Business Administration an additional 30 days to process loans. Next, the bill goes to the Senate, where it is expected to be approved. Majority Leader Schumer has said that Democrats want to pass the measure as quickly as possible. Click here to read more from CNBC.

Manny's Mask Challenge - Free Sandwiches After 30 Days of Proper Mask Usage

IRA Educational Foundation Chairman and IRA Advisory Council member Dan Raskin of Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen recently announced a unique promotional event to stress the importance of wearing masks properly whenever you're in public for the safety of workers and others. The challenge? If guests wear their masks properly at the restaurant for 30 straight days, all diners will receive a free sandwich. Click here to watch the segment.

Preparing Now to Apply for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund Thank you to everyone who joined an educational webinar earlier this week with the National Restaurant Association on next steps for businesses that seek to access the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). While the Fund will take several weeks to get up and running with a live application, there are several steps prospective applicants can take now to prepare. Recommended next steps for restaurants from the webinar include: Create a DUNS number Connect with SAM.gov Create a SAM-notarized letter   Click here to watch a recording of the webinar. Click here for a breakdown of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), including details on eligibility, prioritization, and distribution.

Please visit our website for the latest COVID-19 updates, in addition to the above resources and information for your business. Updated as of 3:25 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17.

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