Today, Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced that COVID-19 resurgence mitigations will be implemented in the North Suburban Region 9, which includes all of Lake and McHenry Counties, beginning 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2020.

Region 9 has seen a 7-day rolling average test positivity rate of 8 percent or above for three consecutive days, which exceeds the thresholds set for establishing mitigation measures (Tier 1) under the state’s Restore Illinois Resurgence Plan. Region 9 restrictions will remain in effect until the region’s positivity rate averages less than or equal to 6.5% over a 3-day period.

Tier 1 mitigation measures taking effect in Region 9 on October 31 include:
Bars

• No indoor service
• All outside bar service closes at 11:00 p.m.
• All bar patrons should be seated at tables outside
• No ordering, seating, or congregating at bar (bar stools should be removed)
• Tables should be 6 feet apart
• No standing or congregating indoors or outdoors while waiting for a table or exiting
• No dancing or standing indoors
• Reservations required for each party
• No seating of multiple parties at one table

Restaurants

• No indoor dining or bar service
• All outdoor dining closes at 11:00 p.m.
• Outside dining tables should be 6 feet apart
• No standing or congregating indoors or outdoors while waiting for a table or exiting
• Reservations required for each party
• No seating of multiple parties at one table

Meetings, Social Events, Gatherings

• Limit to lesser of 25 guests or 25 percent of overall room capacity
• No party buses
• Gaming and Casinos close at 11:00 p.m., are limited to 25 percent capacity, and follow mitigations for bars and restaurants, if applicable

Other business types will continue to operate under Phase 4 guidelines with no mitigations.  This Frequently Asked Questions document provides further guidance. 

The impact of these mitigations falls disproportionately on the restaurant community, a group which has been so committed in Gurnee to upholding best practices in safety and sanitation.   I thank them for their commitment and encourage residents and businesses to continue sampling our fantastic variety of local cuisine through carryout, delivery, and outdoor dining! 
 

Small Business Assistance

Business Interruption Grants Program (BIG) – Round 2 applications are open; grants will be awarded on a rolling basis.  Businesses impacted by Tier 1 mitigations, such as restaurants, will receive an expedited review going forward.  All potential applicants are encouraged to review FAQ's. 
 
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
While the EIDL Advance is no longer available, all Illinois businesses can still apply for the EIDL loan. The interest rate for this 30-year loan is 3.75% for small businesses and 2.75% for non-profits. The first payment is deferred for one year.  All potential applicants are encouraged to review FAQ's
 
Comcast Rise Grant Program
Comcast to give $10,000 grants and make free commercials for small businesses harmed by COVID-19. Apply today. The deadline is November 7, 2020.  All potential applicants are encouraged to review FAQ’s before applying.
 
IL Dept. of Labor – Back to Business Illinois
Back to Business Illinois is a free, voluntary service to connect small businesses of 250 employees or fewer with consultants who will help them evaluate and address workplace safety and health issues related to COVID-19. The online guidance and education program will emphasize areas including basic infection prevention, physical space modification, infectious disease planning, employee monitoring and workplace flexibility. This is a non-punitive program, and no fines or citations are associated with it. It is designed entirely as a benefit to empower Illinois small businesses to continue operating safely. For more information, visit the official website at: www.illinois.gov/worksafe .
 
Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
The SBDC at College of Lake County offers expert, low-cost (often free) guidance, tailored to small business’ needs.  One-on-one advising may be scheduled here.   
 
TAD (Talent Assessment & Development)
Made possible through a CARES Act Grant, the Center is now offering Talent Assessment & Development (TAD), a cloud-based system that helps businesses of any size identify skill gaps and offers talent development solutions. The grant allows the Lake County SBDC to provide this training and development tool for an entire year at no cost and with no obligation.   Click here to complete a short application or download a flier.  
TAD overview video
TAD demo video
Register for a prescheduled demo via Live Zoom
 
Upcoming webinars:
 
COVID Related Human Resource Policies
Thursday, October 29 | 1 - 3 p.m.
 
Bid to Win Government Contracts
Thursday, November 12 | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
 

Thank you for all you do. Gurnee’s Got It! 

Sincerely,

Kristina Kovarik
Mayor
Village of Gurnee