If you or someone you know is in need of employment, please see the list of essential businesses below that are hiring now: 

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 Separately, State Has Ordered 2.5 Million N95 Masks, 1 Million Surgical Masks, Among Other Supplies

Governor Calls for Federal Activation of Defense Production Act

Chicago — As the state continues to build on its robust response to the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare for increased demand across the state’s health care system, Governor JB Pritzker announced a variety of steps his administration has taken to rapidly increase the state’s supply of personal protective equipment. The Governor announced a new partnership with the manufacturing and biotech industries to produce life-saving products in Illinois and an expansive state procurement effort that has already netted millions of masks and other PPE.

“In the face of the unprecedented challenges presented by COVID-19, the people of Illinois have stepped up once again: our innovative biotech companies and state-of-the art manufacturers are teaming up with the State of Illinois to ramp up production of Personal Protective Equipment,”said Governor JB Pritzker. “We’re not just waiting for in-state production. My administration continues to work day and night to scour the global supply chain. Illinois is acquiring PPE to compensate for what we haven’t received in our federal requests. But we are doing so while running up against obstacles that should not exist.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MARCH 16, 2020

CHICAGO – The Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) issued the following statement urging consumers to practice normal shopping routines and avoid stockpiling amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

“It’s imperative for everyone to maintain their normal shopping routine to ensure the safety of our employees, fellow customers and your neighbors. IRMA has worked closely with state officials to ensure regulatory obstacles to restocking shelves are removed so consumers can access items they may need during this public health crisis. The retail industry is working around the clock to ensure its customers throughout Illinois will have the products it needs for you, your families and businesses. Our members in the grocery, pharmacy, convenience, hardware, restaurant, and every type of retail business, manage supply and demand chain needs on a constant basis which is a hallmark of this industry,” said Rob Karr, president & CEO, IRMA.

Additionally, as we attempt to control the outbreak of COVD-19 and more people work from home, it is important to provide options that alleviate the pressure placed on grocery, pharmacy, convenience, restaurant and retail stores. This is why it is crucial that we still allow restaurants to provide delivery, drive-thru, take-out, and curbside pick-up. At the very least, the following entities must remain open:

• Grocery stores
• Pharmacies
• Convenience store and gas stations with grocery items
• Stores with cleaning and sanitation supplies
• Stores with pet supplies
• Stores with electronic items

IRMA also reminded the public to follow the advice of the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Chicago Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by engaging in social-distancing and good hygiene practices, which includes washing hands repeatedly and thoroughly. Most importantly, we urge all consumers to stay home when sick.

Providing Loans to Help Others Since 1983

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois small businesses can tap into $250 million in low-interest bridge loans as soon as this week to help push through the COVID-19 pandemic, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said today.

The state treasurer’s office will make $250 million available to Illinois banks and credit unions that wish to participate. The financial institutions will determine who is eligible for the loans.

“We can move faster than the federal government and its partners because we are not slowed by the partisanship that overshadows such efforts,” Frerichs said. “Part of ensuring the health and well- being of our residents includes making sure small-business owners stay solvent so their workers can be paid.”

Kraig Lounsberry, president of the Community Bankers Association, encourages its members to participate in this loan program. “Partnering with the state treasurer’s office will give community banks a powerful new tool to quickly protect small businesses suffering during this crisis,” Lounsberry said.

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