The novel coronavirus (COVID-19), now classified as a pandemic by the World Health Organization, is causing rapidly cascading events in Illinois and across the globe. The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association has been communicating directly with manufacturers across Illinois as the situation changes and will continue posting resources online at
www.ima-net.org/covid-19/
. This page will be updated with official information and facts continuously as events warrant and resources become available.
The IMA hosted a conference call this morning with public health and emergency officials along with experts on business continuity, labor law, and communications. Visit the IMA’s website for a recording of the call and to see presentations from panelists.
Manufacturing facilities can continue operating in Illinois
. The Governor issued an
executive order (2020-07)
yesterday that bans public and private gatherings of more than 50 people but this applies to
“community, civic, public leisure, faith-based events, sporting events with spectators, concerts, conventions, and any similar event or activity… This does not include venues that provide essential goods or services…”
. There are a lot of rumors flying that are not factual. The IMA spoke with Deputy Governor Dan Hynes this afternoon who confirmed that manufacturing facilities may continue operating.
This morning, Governor Pritzker and IDOT Secretary Osman announced that
trucks can operate at 88,000 pounds
(currently 80,000 pounds) on five axles and 10 percent overweight on vehicles with fewer axles. All overweight fees for the transportation of emergency relief supplies are waived. These changes remain in effect until April 12, 2020.
Governor JB Pritzker held his daily press briefing this afternoon and offered several updates:
- The first fatality was reported in Illinois (Chicago, 60s with underlying condition)
- There are 12 new cases of the coronavirus in Illinois
- A total of 160 cases have been confirmed in 15 of 102 counties.
- There is an outbreak with 22 cases in an assisted living facility in DuPage County.
- The primary election is occurring today.
New or critical items of note that were discussed today by the Governor and local leaders.
- All bars and restaurants were closed at 9:00p.m. yesterday but curbside carryout, drive through, and food delivery are allowed. Company cafeterias can remain open so long as food is not consumed on-site in the cafeteria.
- Illinois has now prepared and submitted the Economic Injury Disaster Loan application with the Small Business Administration. Once approved, small businesses can apply for loans and assistance with SBA (more info below) and information will be available at the Department of Commerce website. All 102 counties are included.
- The Governor’s office is working on supply chains to secure medical equipment and PPEs.
Attorney General Kwame Raoul reached out to the IMA yesterday to discuss price gouging which is largely focused on the retail sector and online marketplaces. AG Raoul issued a
press release
today reminding businesses that the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act bans price gouging.
Employer Resources & Programs
All Illinois workers’ compensation cases and dockets have been delayed. Procedures are in place for emergency situations.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security filed emergency rules that waive the one-week waiting period to apply for unemployment insurance benefits. The IMA and business community are offering legislative language that will “universalize” the cost so that individual employers are not charged or see their experience factor (and tax rates) increase.
The IRS and Treasury Department have extended the Federal tax filing deadline by three months and waive interest and penalties. Individual filers have 90 additional days to pay income taxes due up to $1 million while corporations get the same delay for payments up to $10 million. The IMA is working with the Illinois Department of Revenue to secure similar action in Illinois.
The Secretary of State’s Office has closed through March 31 and all statutorily-required filings are extended by 30 days.
The Small Business Administration is providing assistance through the
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program
which provides low interest loans of up to $2 million to businesses and not-for-profits. These will be available when the federal government approves Illinois’ declaration to the federal government which included specific businesses that have suffered substantial economic injury.
The IMA is in discussion with the Governor’s office, state leaders, and local leaders about economic incentives to help struggling businesses. If you have specific ideas, please let us know so that we can communicate those to our leaders.
The IMA remains in constant contact with the Governor’s office and White House along with federal, state, and local health and emergency officials. We will continue to monitor and provide accurate information on a timely basis.
