CITY OF CHICAGO LAUNCHES “PROTECT CHICAGO” STRATEGY TO MITIGATE FURTHER SPREAD OF COVID-19

CHICAGO – Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), and the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) today launched a new citywide strategy - “Protect Chicago” - an effort to help Chicago bend the COVID-19 curve for the second time. This strategy calls on all Chicagoans to change their behavior through targeted regulations, strong messaging, and a community-based outreach strategy. If changes are not made by Chicago residents, businesses, and visitors to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the city is on track to lose 1,000 more Chicagoans by the end of the year or even more.

“Chicago has reached a critical point in the second surge of COVID-19, demanding that we undertake this multi-faceted and comprehensive effort to stop the virus in its tracks,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “The gains we have made this past year have been the result of our willingness to work together. Even in this difficult moment, we will continue to unite as we always have for our city in order to halt the rise we’re seeing, shake out of the fatigue we’ve been experiencing, and make the crucial difference in what our future is going to look like.”

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Chicago Hospitality Grant Program Open For Applications

The City of Chicago has begun accepting application for the $10 million Chicago Hospitality Grant Program. Announced by Mayor Lightfoot last week as part of an emergency hospitality relief package, this program will provide grants of $10,000 each to Chicago bars and restaurants that have been greatly impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The application will remain open until 11:59 pm central time on Monday, November 23rd and citywide recipients will be selected via lottery, with a portion reserved for businesses in low- and moderate-income Community Areas. To be eligible, bars or restaurants must be located in Chicago, have no more than $3 million in annual revenues and have experienced at least a 25% revenue loss due to COVID-19. For the full list of eligibility criteria, frequently asked questions and to apply, visit chicago.gov/hospitalityfund.

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Hunter calls for equity in labor unions

CHICAGO – Following another joint Senate hearing on diversity in procurement, Business Enterprise Program, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise policies and labor unions, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) continues to advocate for equity, capacity building, and economic access for minority workers.

“It’s imperative that our workforces reflect the communities they serve,” Hunter said. “Coincidentally, we are discussing diversity and procurement during National Apprenticeship week, which only serves as a reminder that apprenticeships can be a major catalyst in advancing the careers of those who might not otherwise be exposed to the same kinds of opportunity.”

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Hunter ready to reform Illinois’ health care system

CHICAGO – Following the Senate Public Health and Health and Human Services final hearing on the Legislative Black Caucus’ four pillar agenda, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) says she is ready to continue reforming the state’s health care system.

“Our health care system is deeply flawed, but over the last few weeks, we’ve heard many recommendations on where to start reforming it,” Hunter said. “We must all be more informed about health literacy and examine the social determinants of health so that everyone has equal access to nourishment and well-being.”

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