Travel Risk Map, Metro East Mitigations, Rental Assistance Deadlines

The Illinois Restaurant Association continues to engage with local, state, and federal officials to help our employers and employees address concerns about COVID-19.

Please see the below resources and information for your business - updated as of 5:40 p.m. on Monday, August 17.

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IDPH Launches Travel Risk Map

Today, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) launched its new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) travel map to help inform residents of potential risks associated with traveling during the pandemic. The map indicates countries and U.S. states with increased risk of COVID-19 based on case rates.

Locations that have an average daily case rate of 15 cases per 100,000 or greater are designated as "higher risk" on the map.

Click here to view the map. Click here to read the full announcement.

Sam Toia on Industry Outlook, Relief Measures, Supporting Employees

IRA President & CEO recently joined ABC7 to discuss the current status of the restaurant industry, outdoor dining strategies in colder months, what relief measures are needed, and the newly-formed IRAEF Employee Relief Fund.

Click here to watch the segment.

State Public Health Officials Announce New COVID-19 Mitigation Efforts to Take Effect in Region 4

Yesterday, Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced new COVID-19 mitigation efforts that will be implemented in the Metro East area beginning Tuesday, August 18. Region 4 is now reporting three consecutive days of a test positivity rate of 8 percent or higher, triggering implementation of mitigation efforts as outlined in the state's COVID-19 Mitigation Plan.

The new mitigation measures were developed in close coordination with local public health administrators and county officials and account for the unique characteristics of the region.

Measures include the closing of bars, restaurants, and casinos by 11:00 p.m., the closing of party buses and the reduction of gathering sizes to the lesser of 25 people or 25 percent of room capacity. These measures will remain in effect over a 14-day period after which time more stringent mitigation measures, such as the closing of indoor bars and dining, can be implemented if metrics do not improve.

Click here to view the new mitigations.

Donate Today to the IRAEF Employee Relief Fund

The IRA is thrilled to announce the establishment of the IRAEF Employee Relief Fund. The Fund will provide one-time financial support to restaurant employees in Illinois facing unforeseen hardship due to COVID-19 - and applications will open in October. Click here to read the full announcement.

The IRAEF Employee Relief Fund is possible thanks to the generosity of founding donors at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Telemundo, Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois (ABDI) and EMPLOYERS.

We're excited to be highlighting and the supporting the fund throughout Chicago Gourmet’s “Go Gourmet” Dining and Virtual Event Series taking place September 1-30, 2020. 

Here's how you can help our ongoing efforts:

• Please post about the announcement on your social media channels.

• You can use our e-tool kit to spread the word. 

• Engage your networks

• Please reach out and connect us to anyone that may be interested in getting involved with the Fund. 

• Make a donation

• You can contribute to the fund here.

• Any company or individual who makes a donation over $5,000 will receive recognition on the Employee Relief Fund webpage.

Stay tuned for more information about the Fund in coming weeks. For more information, please contact IRAEF Executive Director Kristen Hodges.

Restaurant Relief Webinar - The Road Ahead

Join Sean Kennedy, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs for the National Restaurant Association, for a comprehensive overview of the latest restaurant relief programs from Congress. This Wednesday, August 19 at 1:00 p.m. (Central), Kennedy will discuss the specifics of various policy recommendations including, a dedicated recovery fund, a second round of PPP, long-term loan programs, and targeted tax relief. As restaurants, state hospitality organizations, and the National Restaurant Association urge lawmakers to advance these ideas, make sure you’re up-to-date on all the details!

Click here to register.

Upcoming Deadlines - Financial Assistance for State of Illinois and Suburban Cook County Renters 

Cook County suburbans residents that wish to apply for rental assistance have until tomorrow, Tuesday, August 18, to apply. Click here to learn more and apply.

The Illinois Housing Department Authority's Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program is accepting applications until Friday, August 21. Click here to learn more and apply.