IL “stay home” order – What does it mean for your business?
Dear Member,
It seems day to day our communities work to become safer but with that our businesses face harder times. Today’s announcement by the Governor issued a “stay at home” order starting Saturday, March 21 at 5 p.m. through end of day April 7. So what does this mean for your business?
Grocery stores, healthcare providers, gas stations and other “essential” businesses are able to stay open. If you and your employees are able to work from home, you should be. Restaurants and bars providing food for carryout and delivery can stay open, but should follow social distancing and safety guidelines. (Available at grundychamber.com).
To the Chamber and our local communities, trust me all of our businesses are “essential.” You employ local people, provide tax dollars and provide services and products we need. As owners and managers, your companies are essential to you and your staffs’ livelihoods. But as Gov. J.B. Pritzker said, he recognizes in some cases he’s choosing between people’s lives and people’s livelihoods, “but ultimately you don’t have a livelihood if you don’t have a life.” We cannot ignore that by leaving our homes if we don’t absolutely have to, endangers ourselves, members of our community and our local hospitals trying to keep up with the demand of treatment.
According to the Illinois Municipal League: “The order provides that all non-essential business and operations must cease. ‘Essential Businesses and Operation’ that may continue include: stores that sell groceries; food production and agriculture; organizations that provide charitable and social services; media; gas stations and businesses needed for transportation; financial institutions; hardware and supply stores; critical trades; mail, post, shipping, logistics and delivery services; educational institutions (for the purposes of facilitating distance learning); laundry services; restaurants for off-premises consumption; supplies to work from home; supplies for essential businesses and operations; transportation; home-based care and services; residential facilities and shelters; professional services; day care centers for employees exempted by this order; manufacturing, distribution and supply chain for critical products and industries; critical labor union functions; hotels and motels; and, funeral services.
While there can be consequences to running nonessential businesses, the Governor reported authorities have no want to enact those.
As you determine your business’ response to this order, please let the Grundy County Chamber and the Channahon Minooka Chamber know if you need assistance publicizing this information.
Local response:
We Care of Grundy County continues to provide food and services to those in need as its supplies can be replenished. Visit We Care’s Facebook page for updates, and for donation and volunteer needs.
The Community Foundation of Grundy County has reactivated the Grundy County Disaster Fund to accept donations toward the COVID-19 response in Grundy County assisting our area nonprofits who are helping our families in need at this time. To donate visit cfgrundycounty.com.
The United Way of Grundy County is a resource of information for local agencies providing numerous types of assistance for families. Call 815-942-4430 or visit www.uwgrundy.org.
Please continue to visit grundychamber.com for updated information on COVID-19 response and on our members. Share from our social media outlets, and most importantly let us know how we can help you.
Stay healthy and remember that we will get through this together.
Sincerely,
Christina Van Yperen
Chamber President & CEO
