Illinois State House District 13 issued the following announcement on March 16.
Starting Monday, March 16, my Capitol and District offices will be closed and my staff and I will begin working remotely, but we are here to help you and your family in any way we can. Preventing the spread of COVID-19, and ramping up care and treatment for those who are sick—particularly older and more vulnerable people—is now Illinois’ top priority.
This will not be a quick process and it will get more difficult before it gets better. There will be many inconveniences and sudden policy changes as researchers learn more and science guides new policy decisions. We are all going to feel anxious about getting the most up-to-date information about jobs, finances, food, access to healthcare and assistance for our businesses.
My staff and I will do our best to provide current information, to update you on important announcements about financial support and jobs, children and schools, small business information, seniors, people with disabilities and pre-existing conditions, food and nutrition, healthcare and prevention information. We know people will have many different questions and many specific needs. Call or email us at any time and we will do our best to assist you as quickly as possible.
We are all going to feel anxious together and worry together….but we also need to work together, support our neighbors and communities together, and surround our friends, families and neighbors with concern, caring and love. In times of crisis, Americans have always pulled together for the greater good in the face of disease and disasters and we will now too.
As the COVID-19 situation evolves, you can get all the latest health information from the Illinois Department of Public Health on their website at http://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19. There you will find the latest news updates and tips to keep your family healthy and prevent spread in the community.
You can also sign up for instant automatic alerts from the Chicago Department of Public Health for the latest information about COVID-19 in Chicago.
The election on Tuesday, March 17 will be proceeding as planned. Election judges will supply ample hand sanitizer, wipe down machines in between uses, and take extra social distancing precautions to minimize virus transmission. Please note that many Election Day precinct polling places have changed. For the most current information, please visit https://chicagoelections.gov/en/your-voter-information.html
With businesses temporarily closing, workers have many questions about unemployment benefits during this time. The Illinois Department of Employment Security has put together a helpful list of FAQs and application forms which can be accessed on their website.
Chicago Public Schools will be providing free lunches for CPS students during the upcoming school closure. All families will be able to pick up meals at their nearest CPS school beginning Tuesday, March 17, between 9am and 1pm daily. For more details, and other information about the CPS school closure, please visit the CPS website.
Governor Pritzker has ordered the closure of on-site dining at restaurants and bars in Illinois, effective at close of business Monday, March 16 until Monday, March 30. To learn more about these restrictions and what food service will or won’t be available, please visit the Illinois Restaurant Association’s COVID-19 information page.
Governor Pritzker is also working with the federal Small Business Administration to put together a relief package for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. We will send more details and a link to the application as they become available.
If there is any way we can assist you or your family in the coming weeks, please do not hesitate to email me at Greg@GregHarris.org or leave a voicemail at 773-348-3434 and we will get back to you promptly.
Original source can be found here.
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