Coronavirus - Support Niles Businesses

NEW: Cook County Mandate - Proof of Vaccination

In response to the current COVID-19 surge of cases and hospitalizations in suburban Cook County, Cook County Dept. of Public Health issued a new mitigation order for its suburban Cook County jurisdiction on December 23, 2021.

Specifically, the order calls for proof of vaccination for customers of indoor settings where food or drink are served for on-premises consumption, like restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, and in fitness facilities. The order will go into effect on Monday, Jan. 3, 2022.

In a Thursday, Dec. 23 press conference on Zoom, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said Cook County’s order is “in lockstep” with a similar order issued by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Tuesday, Dec. 21.

Suburban Cook County has seen over 500 new cases per 100,000 population daily with the test positivity rate at 7.8 percent as of last week. The ICU capacity is at 10.8 percent bed availability. Cook County Dept. of Public Health co-lead Dr. Kiran Joshi said the number of COVID-19 omicron variant cases “is doubling every two to three days.”

Under the order, businesses must display signage about the mitigations at every entrance and prominently within the facility. Businesses must develop a written protocol with details for how they will check vaccine status and how they will enforce this order. CCDPH will post sample language for this written protocol to its website.

The order applies to anywhere people would take masks off to eat or drink, including grocery stores or other venues with small cafes, or entertainment venues, which serve food or drink, along with recreation and fitness facilities.

There are exceptions in the order. It does not apply to schools or houses of worship, nor to patrons taking food or drinks to go, who would be in a restaurant or market for less than 10 minutes. The order does not apply to communities, which have their own departments of health such as Skokie, Evanston and Oak Park.

“Businesses violating these orders will be subject to inspection and possible fines for violations. Cook County Dept. of Public Health co-lead Dr. Rachel Rubin said inspections would be complaint-based. She said multiple complaints about an individual business could be referred to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office. Notifications would also be made to the municipalities the violating businesses are located in.

County officials said many restaurants have already introduced these protective measures; this order will provide clarity to businesses and patrons throughout CCDPH’s jurisdiction in most of suburban Cook County.

Fitness centers include settings like health clubs, yoga studios, group fitness classes, recreation centers, and dance studios. Entertainment venues include movie theaters, concert venues, live theater, and music spaces, sports arenas, bowling alleys, and arcades. Patrons in these facilities must remain masked and physically distant when possible, county officials said.

https://cookcountypublichealth.org/communicable-diseases/covid-19/mitigation-guidance/

Cook County Mask Requirement Began August 23, 2021

The Cook County Department of Public Health (Friday, August 20) announced that all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear a mask indoors, beginning on Monday, Aug. 23. The order requires that all people above age two who can medically tolerate a mask to wear one in indoor public spaces. For the purposes of this Order, indoor public spaces include any common or shared space in: (1) a residential multi-unit building or (2) any non-residential building, including but not limited to retail stores, restaurants, bars/taverns, health and fitness clubs, museums, hotels, personal services, performance venues, movie theaters, commercial buildings, event venues, healthcare settings, congregate facilities, on public transportation and in transportation hubs.

NEW: "Back to Business Grant Program"

The state announced a $250 million "Back to Business" grant program aimed at assisting small businesses in the recovery from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and associated economic shutdowns. The program is funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act signed by President Joe Biden, and it includes specific, set-aside amounts for certain uses. Those include $100 million for businesses in areas disproportionately impacted by the pandemic; $30 million for arts and entertainment businesses that haven't received previous aid; $25 million for restaurants and taverns that didn't receive money from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund; $25 million for hotels; and another $25 million for businesses that didn't receive Business Interruption Grant funding. The B2B funding will be administered through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, which has a map of disproportionately impacted areas and a list of other requirements on its website, Illinois.gov/dceo. The application period opens Aug. 18. The grants are available to businesses with revenues of $20 million or less in 2019 that saw a reduction in revenue in 2020 due to COVID-19. Hotels with $35 million or less in revenue are eligible. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $150,000 will be distributed on a rolling basis, based on the losses sustained, by DCEO through its grant administrator, Allies for Community Business. More information and the new portal for the applications is as follows:

https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/Pages/B2B.aspx

Restore Illinois Updates

Governor Pritzker announced most Covid-19 restrictions were eliminated on June 11, 2021 as the state moves to Phase 5.
In May, the Illinois Department of Public Health had Announced the State had Moved to the Bridge Phase Between Phase 4 and Phase 5

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced in May the State was moving to the Bridge Phase between Phase 4 and Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois Plan. Additional information can be found at the top of the IDPH website homepage.

The Governor's Executive Order requiring the public to wear face coverings was revised on May 17, 2021.

The Mayor George D. Alpogianis Executive Order was signed revising the requirement for face coverings. As of May 20, 2021 the Village of Niles has lifted the local mask-wearing mandate. This change comes in light of new mask guidance issued last Thursday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and this Monday by Illinois Governor Pritzker. Mayor George D. Alpogianis has issued an Executive Order to lift this local mandate, however Niles businesses and facilities will remain under the guidance of County, State, and Federal mandates. According to the latest State rules, all Illinois residents – including those who are fully vaccinated – must continue to wear masks in hospitals and doctor’s offices, long-term care facilities and on public transportation. Businesses can still choose to require everyone to wear a mask, even those that are vaccinated. The Village urges the public to show patience and respect as the community adjusts to the changing mask protocol, and to honor any businesses’ mask requirements. Signage for businesses.

The Bridge Phase Guidelines can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website.

Bridge Phase Guidelines

As more of our residents receive the COVID-19 vaccine, Illinois will operate with a metrics-based pathway toward the fifth and final phase of the Restore Illinois reopening plan, in which all sectors of the economy reopen with businesses and recreation resuming normal operations, and where conventions, festivals, and large events can take place. Following recommendations from public health experts, Illinois will move forward with a dial-like approach between the mitigations in Phase 4, which currently apply to the entire state, and the post-pandemic new normal of Phase 5.

This Bridge to Phase 5 will allow for higher capacity limits and increased business operations, before public health experts tell us it is safe to move to the new normal that Phase 5 will bring. Like the prior evidenced-based approaches to deliberately lift mitigations that have kept us safe and saved lives, this gradual path to Phase 5 will protect the progress we’ve made while allowing us to reopen the economy. Once 70% of residents 65 and older have been vaccinated and barring any reversals in our COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths for a 28-day monitoring period, the Bridge to Phase 5 will begin with increased capacity limits in both indoor and outdoor settings. Once 50% of residents 16 and older have been vaccinated and stable or declining COVID-19 metrics are recorded during a 28-day monitoring period, Phase 5 will be implemented, removing capacity limits altogether.

All regions of the state will move through these next phases together based on statewide metrics. While regulations are rolled back gradually, Illinoisans should continue following the public health guidelines that have kept us safe during the pandemic, like wearing a mask in public and social distancing. Additionally, this updated guidance establishes new capacity limits for settings determined by risk level. In an update to current Phase 4 mitigations, individuals with proof of full vaccination — defined as 14 days after receiving a final vaccine dose — or a negative COVID-19 test (PCR) 1-3 days prior to an event do not count against capacity limits. Following the latest studies on virus transmission, lower risk activities that were either not permitted or allowed at a lower capacity have been expanded in Phase 4.

For additional questions or further assistance, please feel free to contact Village staff.

State of Illinois Business Grants

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) launched the second round of Business Interruption Grants (BIG) by providing another $245 million in grant funding. This is in addition to the $60 million in funding to businesses experiencing losses or business interruption as a result of COVID-19 related closures. The additional Business Interruption Grants (BIG) program of $245 million can be reviewed at the link below.

https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/Pages/C19DisadvantagedBusGrants.aspx

DCEO will make the application for BIG available on Thursday, September 17, 2020.

NEW: Cook County to Waive Late Fees on Property Tax Installments

The Cook County Board of Commissioners voted to waive late fees for two months on both property tax installments due in 2021, giving cash-strapped property owners more time to juggle their finances, Treasurer Maria Pappas said.

The Board unanimously waived for two months the 1.5 percent per month late fee on all Tax Year 2020 property taxes, according to a news release. Specifically:

• The First Installment of 2020 taxes is due March 2, 2021, with application of late charges moved back to May 3, 2021.

• The Second Installment of 2020 taxes is due August 2, 2021, with application of late charges moved back to October 1, 2021. The link to the Cook Country Treasurer's announcement and website is provided here.

Support Niles Businesses

The Village of Niles is asking residents to support Niles businesses that have been affected by the Coronavirus by purchasing gift cards from the restaurants and other businesses. Residents can buy directly from the restaurants and businesses so they can use these funds for a month or two. When the pandemic is over, you can redeem the gift card at Niles businesses. Businesses are encouraged to update their web sites to sell gift cards. Residents can also support the restaurants that may offer a drive-thru, a take-out menu, as well as curb service. They can also purchase meals for first responders including doctors, nurses, firefighters, police, and public works personnel. A list of restaurants is provided below.

Governor Pritzker's 5-Phase Plan

Information regarding the Bridge Phase of the Governor's 5-Phased Plan is provided below:

https://dceoresources-ss-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/public/Restore-Illinois/A-Bridge-to-Phase-5.pdf

https://www2.illinois.gov/Pages/Executive-Orders/ExecutiveOrder2021-09.aspx

https://dceocovid19resources.com/restore-illinois/restore-illinois-phase-4/

https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/pages/restoreILP3.aspx

https://dceocovid19resources.com/assets/Restore-Illinois/businessguidelines3/personalcare.pdf

https://www2.illinois.gov/dhr/Documents/IDHR_FAQ_for_Businesses_Concerning_Use_of_Face-Coverings_During_COVID-19_Ver_2020511b copy.pdf

https://abc7chicago.com/society/restore-illinois-5-phase-reopening-plan-by-gov-pritzker-splits-il-into-4-regions-/6159808/

https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-cb-pritzker-plan-reopen-illinois-20200506-erfvitdovffmzd7ativx4hj57q-htmlstory.html

https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/restore-illinois-faqs

State of Illinois Business Grants

https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/Pages/C19DisadvantagedBusGrants.aspx

DCEO will make the application for BIG available on Thursday, September 17, 2020.

Congress Passed Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Health Care Enhancement (HCE) on April 23, 2020

On Thursday, April 23, 2020, Congress Passed the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (PPP & HCE Act), and the President signed it into law Friday, April 24.

The PPP & HCE Act is an expansion of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) portion of the CARES ACT passed in late March. The original $350 billion earmarked for small business paycheck loans has been exhausted; the new legislation adds $310 billion more to the program. Additionally, the PPP & HCE Act includes:

• $60 billion for the SBA’s economic injury disaster loans and grants, including:

• $50 billion for economic injury disaster loans – each loan can be up to $2 million with interest rates not to exceed 4% and long-term repayment periods of up to 30 years;

• and $10 billion for grants of up to $10,000 that do not have to be repaid.

• $100 billion in emergency supplemental appropriations, $75 billion of which is designated for hospitals and health care providers, and $25 billion of which is designated for the ramp-up of COVID-19 testing

• Additional funds are provided for the SBA to administer these programs

It is critical that any small employers who have already applied for a PPP loan check with their lender, as the Interim Final Rule states explicitly, you can only apply for one PPP Loan. Contact your bank to see if they still have your application and whether or not it will be submitted when the SBA begins accepting new PPP loan applications.

State of Illinois Small Business Assistance

The State of Illinois announced grants for Small Business. More information is provided at the following link:

https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/Pages/Coronavirus-Disease-2019-(COVID-19)-Information-for-Small-Business.aspx

The State of Illinois Small Business Assistance programs are provided in the link above. Cook County announced on March 26, 2020 the Covid-19 Small Business Assistance Program.

The State of Illinois announced the Hospitality Grant recipients for grants of between $10,000 and $25,000. The list of recipients is provided below:

https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/Documents/Hospitality%20Grant%20Awardees%204.17.20.pdf

Cook County $10 million Community Recovery Fund

Cook County unveiled a $10 million Community Recovery Fund that will offer no-interest loans to suburban small businesses, gig workers, and independent contractors whose livelihoods have been battered by the new coronavirus. The application for the newest Cook County Small Business Assistance program is provided below. Additional information on Business Assistance Programs are provided below under Business Assistance Programs.

As part of Cook County’s ongoing COVID-19 Community Recovery Initiative efforts, the Bureau of Economic Development, in partnership with more than 35 county-wide organizations, is providing critical support for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Program offerings include:

• $10,000 Grants for small businesses (less than 20 employees) in suburban Cook County

• Cook County / Chicago Business Advising Program

• Business Resiliency Webinars

• Applications are open now and will close at 5 PM on October 6 2020

https://www.cookcountysmallbusinessassistance.com/

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=rlVNi7RtBU6oXFnWolbNbmMOJwqJKYZHoxCOSMzw5rhUOUVZOVgyUjVIUjgzUDAxOElWNUwxQ0VQRS

US Chamber of Commerce Grant Program for Small Business Recovery

The US Chamber of Commerce launched a new grant program to support small business recovery. The US Chamber will distribute $5,000 grants to small employers in the US from corporate and philanthropic partners. The link is provided below:

https://savesmallbusiness.com/

Niles Chamber of Commerce - Voice of Business Interviews

The Niles Chamber of Commerce & Industry - Voice of Niles Business Interviews with the Mayor of Niles, Mayor Andrew Przybylo, Economic Development Director John Melaniphy, Village Trustee Denise McCreery, and Village Trustee George Alpogianis regarding the business assistance programs are provided at the links below:

https://www.facebook.com/ChamberNiles/videos/576845699852633/UzpfSTEwMDAwMDU1NjAwMjgwNjozNTYzODEyODgzNjQ3MjEw/

https://www.facebook.com/ChamberNiles/videos/1572648249568411/UzpfSTEwMDAwMDU1NjAwMjgwNjozNTI4ODQ0ODU3MTQ0MDEz/

https://www.facebook.com/ChamberNiles/videos/2689712497803935/?q=Niles%20Chamber%20of%20Commerce%20Voice%20of%20Business&epa=SEARCH_BOX

https://www.facebook.com/ChamberNiles/videos/693723261374602/UzpfSTEwMDAwMDU1NjAwMjgwNjozNjA1MDk1MDQ2MTg1NjYw/

Mayor Andrew Przybylo talks about the Phase III opening and dining Alfreso in Niles in a Chamber interview below.

https://www.facebook.com/ChamberNiles/videos/2507802432883383

There are also links for frequently asked questions pertaining to the Governor's Stay-At-Home order for businesses, as well as, information for restaurants. We would also like to thank all the Niles grocery stores that have endured unprecedented demand and have worked diligently during this crisis to keep their store shelves stocked. If you need assistance or have any questions please contact the Director of Economic Development John C. Melaniphy at 847 588-8074.

Coronavirus - Economic Stimulus Package

Wednesday, Mar 25, 2020

• Extended Unemployment Insurance program increases the maximum unemployment benefit by $600 per week and ensures that laid-off workers, on average, will receive their full pay for four months instead of 3 months.

• $100 billion in a Marshall Plan for the Health Care System.

• $150 billion for state and local Coronavirus Relief fund.

• $10 billion for SBA emergency grants of up to $10,000 to provide immediate relief for small business operating costs.

• $17 billion for SBA to cover 6 months of payments for small businesses with existing SBA loans.

• $30 billion in emergency education funding and $25 billion in emergency transit funding.

• $30 billion for the Disaster Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, as well as private nonprofits providing critical and essential services.

• More than $10 billion for the Indian Health Services, and other tribal programs.

• Prohibits businesses controlled by the President, Vice President, Members of Congress, and heads of Executive Departments from receiving loans or investments from Treasury programs.

• Makes rent, mortgage and utility costs eligible for SBA loan forgiveness.

• Bans stock buybacks for the term of the government assistance plus 1 year on any company receiving a government loan from the bill.

• Establishes robust worker protections attached to all federal loans for businesses.

• Creates real-time public reporting of Treasury transactions under the Act, including terms of loans, investments or other assistance to corporations.

• Creates a Treasury Department Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery to provide oversight of Treasury loans and a Pandemic Response Accountability Committee to protect taxpayer dollars.

• Adds a retention tax credit for employers to encourage businesses to keep workers on payroll during the crisis.

• Provides income tax exclusion for individuals who are receiving student loan repayment assistance from their employer.

• No bailout for big oil.

• Eliminated “secret bailout” provision that would have allowed bailouts to corporations to be concealed for 6 months.

• Prohibits airlines from stock buybacks and CEO bonuses.

Coronavirus - Support Niles Businesses

Cook County Mask Requirement Began August 23, 2021

NEW: "Back to Business Grant Program"

Restore Illinois Updates

Bridge Phase Guidelines

State of Illinois Business Grants

Reference Documents for Niles Businesses

NEW: Cook County to Waive Late Fees on Property Tax Installments

Support Niles Businesses

Governor Pritzker's 5-Phase Plan

State of Illinois Business Grants

Cook County $10 million Community Recovery Fund

US Chamber of Commerce Grant Program for Small Business Recovery

Niles Chamber of Commerce - Voice of Business Interviews

Business Assistance Programs - Coronavirus

Business - Frequently Asked Questions - Coronavirus

Major Companies Hiring Thousands of Workers During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Coronavirus - Economic Stimulus Package

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