Protecting Chicago Strategy |
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Today, Mayor Lightfoot and Dr. Arwardy announced the "Protect Chicago" plan aimed at combating the alarming rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Chicago is deep into a second surge of COVID-19 along with the rest of the region and the nation. The test positivity rate in Chicago is now above 14% and we are seeing more than 1,900 new daily cases based on a 7-day rolling average, which is a higher rate than at any time during the pandemic. Included in the "Protect Chicago" plan is a Stay-at-Home Advisory, which calls on all Chicagoans to stay home as much as possible during this surge in cases. These guidelines, will go into effect on Monday, November 16, 2020 at 6:00 a.m.
- Only leave home to go to work or school, or for essential needs such as seeking medical care, going to the grocery store or pharmacy, picking up take-out food, or receiving deliveries. If you do leave home, practice social distancing by staying 6 feet away from others and wearing a face covering at all times.
- Do not have gatherings in your home with anybody outside of your household (except for essential staff such as home health care workers or educators), even with trusted family or friends.
- Avoid all non-essential, out-of-state travel; if travel is essential, quarantining or testing negative prior to travel is required, depending on which state a traveler is originating from.
- Comply with City and State Orders, including wearing face coverings, limiting gatherings, and mandating early closure of non-essential businesses at 11pm.
- Practice social distancing and avoid touching surfaces frequently touched by others if you go outside to get fresh air.
- Use remote modes of communication like phone or video chat instead of visiting friends or family, especially on holidays such as Thanksgiving.
In addition to the Stay-at-Home Advisory, the City is imposing new restrictions to limit meetings and social events to 10 individuals (both indoors and outdoors). This capacity limit applies to events such as weddings, birthday parties, business dinners/social events, and funerals, and is applicable to any venue where a meeting or social event is taking place, including meeting rooms. However, the capacity limit does not supersede industries that have specific capacity guidelines in place, which include fitness clubs, retail stores, personal services and movie theaters (generally, 40% or 50 individuals max., whichever is fewer). More information on the new restrictions can be found here.
Earlier this week the city also updated its travel advisory. These orders apply to Chicago residents and any out of state visitors arriving in Chicago.
For a list of free COVID-19 testing sites in Chicago click here.
For a list of free Illinois Department of Public Health COVID-19 testing sites click here.
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COVID-19 Count as of Thursday, November 12th:
If you have questions related to COVID-19 you can contact the Illinois Department of Public Health:
Hotline: 800-889-3931
Email: dph.sick@illinois.gov
City of Chicago's Department of Public Health:
Hotline: 312-746-4835
Email: coronavirus@chicago.gov
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Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity:
BIG Grants Round Two
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The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has opened Round 2 of BIG grants. The first wave of Round 2 grant recipients was announced last week here. The department is still reviewing applications of those who applied in the Round 2. If you applied in Round 2 and did not receive a grant in the first waive you do not need to reapply. The application is still open for new applicants or for those that applied in Round 1 and did not receive a grant.
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DCEO Webinars for Latinx/Hispanic Businesses
In an effort to reach small minority-owned businesses the BIG program has partnered with “community navigators” – organizations that are working to conduct outreach to minority businesses and help them apply for grants. Working with the navigators, DCEO is casting a wide net on outreach--webinars, technical assistance sessions, outreach, canvassing, and customer service.
BIG webinars for LatinX/Hispanic businesses to learn about eligibility, program details, and the application process:
Southern, Southeast, West Central, Northwest Latinx Business Webinars
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November 13, at 2:00 p.m. Register HERE
Central, Southwest, North Central, Northern Stateline Latinx Business Webinars
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November 18, at 2:00 p.m. Register HERE
Northeast, East Central Latinx Business Webinars
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November 20, at 10:00 a.m. Register HERE
OMEE Latinx Women Owned Business BIG Webinar
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December 9, at 2:00 p.m. Register HERE
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Chicago DFSS Reopens Rental Grants:
Rental Assistance Program (RAP)
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The Chicago Department of Family & Support Services (DFSS) announced a re-opening of the online application for its Rental Assistance Program (RAP) from November 2-15. RAP is a homelessness prevention initiative that offers up to six months of support including payment of rent and rent arrears; for eligible households that are at immediate risk of eviction.
To be eligible for RAP, households must currently reside in a rental unit and have experienced a documented crisis or emergency within the last 90 days, such as:
- temporary loss of income, fire or flood
- court order to vacate (foreclosure or eviction)
- or domestic violence
For more information click here
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Chicago Hospitality Grant Program |
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The Chicago Hospitality Grant Program is now open! The $10 Million Chicago Hospitality Grant will provide bars and restaurants with grants of $10,000 each. Remember funds must be used to cover operational costs including payroll expenses, replenishment of inventory and/or mortgage, rent and utilities payments. Grants will be distributed via lottery to recipients throughout the city, with a portion of the grants reserved for businesses in low- and moderate-income Community areas.
The application closes Monday, November 23 at 11:59pm. The application and more information can be found here.
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Center on Halsted:
Waitlist Let's Get to WERQ! Free Virtual Workshop Series
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Please join us virtually for a FREE workshop series called "Getting Ready for Work". This series will cover a range of topics to help with job hunting, readiness, networking, growth, and more. Register for any of these workshops here.
Session A Writing Resume and Cover Letter, Searching for a Job • Nov. 16th | 6 - 8 PM
Session B Virtual Networking and Etiquette • Nov. 20th | 6 - 8 PM
Session C Writing Resume and Cover Letter, Searching for a Job • Dec. 14th | 6 - 8 PM
Session D Virtual Networking and Etiquette • Dec. 18th | 6 - 8 PM
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The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce has launched the Andersonville Cares Initiative to keep our community safe throughout what will be a very long winter. We anticipate a lot of folks will be facing different forms of depression and anxiety around the election, seasonal change, holidays, and more. We want to provide information to both businesses and residents that help connect them with mental health resources, flu shots, and COVID testing in the Andersonville Area. For more information click here.
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Sincerely,
Kelly Cassidy
State Representative, 14th District
Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy
5533 N Broadway
Chicago IL 60640
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773-784-2002(phone)
773-784-2060(fax)
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