COVID-19 Help Desk

Health Information And Updates

Coronavirus Information From The CDC

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention's website provides answers to frequently asked questions about COVID-19, including how to protect yourself, how the virus spreads, and common symptoms.

The CDC provides updated information about cases, both domestically and abroad, as it becomes available in addition to guidance and precautionary measures to take.

Updates From The Illinois Department Of Public Health

The Illinois Department of Public Health's website contains an entire section dedicated to COVID-19 information. The website also provides daily updates on confirmed cases, deaths, and tests performed throughout the state.

For health related inquiries, you can also contact this department by calling 1-800-889-3931 or emailing dph.sick@illinois.gov.

Coronavirus Updates For The State Of Illinois

This website contains the latest updates about Coronavirus, video archives of press conferences, and livestreams of Governor Pritzker's COVID-19 updates.

Coronavirus Updates For the City Of Chicago

For information specific to Chicago, the city's Coronavirus Response Center website provides the most up-to-date information.

It contains a breakdown of COVID-19 cases in the city, a comprehensive list of city resources, guidelines for the Stay at Home Order, a catalog of volunteer opportunities and more.

Coronavirus Updates For The State Of Indiana

This website contains updated information about COVID-19 in Indiana, including updates from the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) and COVID-19 resources for Indiana residents.

General inquiries about COVID-19 can be directed to the ISDH Call Center at 877-826-0011.

It also hosts a list of resources for economic assistance, frequently asked questions about unemployment claims, and guidelines for business to follow.

Financial Assistance Programs

Federal Loans For Businesses, Private Non-Profits, Homeowners And Renters

The U.S. Small Business Association provides Economic Injury Disaster Loans. These loans can provide up to $2 million of financial assistance to small businesses affected by COVID-19. Funds can be used towards fixed debts, accounts payable, and other unpaid expenses due to the pandemic. Compared with traditional loans from banks or credit unions, these disaster loans offer lower interest rates, longer repayment terms, and lower monthly payments. Applications and eligibility criteria can be found here.

Relief For Small Businesses In Illinois

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has launched emergency assistance programs for small businesses in Illinois.

The programs include:

• Hospitality Emergency Grant Program: these grants will support payroll, rent, job training, and technology to support shifts in operations. Bars and restaurants that made between $500,000 and $1 million in revenue in 2019 are eligible for up to $10,000. Hotels that generated less than $8 million in revenue in 2019 are eligible for up to $50,000. Applications for this program are now closed and businesses were notified if they were selected to receive this grant during the week of April 5.
• Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund: this fund offers small businesses low interest loans up to $50,000. Businesses outside of the City of Chicago with fewer than 50 workers and less than $3 million in revenue in 2019 are eligible to apply here.
• Downstate Small Business Stabilization Program: this fund will offer small businesses with less than 50 employees the opportunity to partner with their local governments to obtain grants of up to $25,000 in working capital. Applications and eligibility criteria can be found here.

Relief For Small Businesses In Chicago

Small businesses and non-profits can apply for the Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund. The $100 million economic relief package provides loans to businesses experiencing a temporary loss of revenue as a result of COVID-19.

To qualify, businesses must employ fewer than 50 people, have realized gross revenues of less than $3 million in 2019, have suffered a revenue decrease of at least 25 percent due to COVID-19, and have a valid Chicago business address.

Loans will equal your business' average revenue for the last three months of 2019, with a maximum amount of $50,0000.

Relief For Performers And Artists:

The Arts for Illinois Relief Fund provides relief for workers in the creative industries who the shelter-in-place has impacted.

Eligible individuals can apply for one-time grants of $1,500, which are awarded on a lottery system.

All donations to this fund go directly to artists and art organizations throughout Illinois and are tax deductible.

The website also hosts the work of talented artists and performers who have made their work available online for public enjoyment during this challenging time.

Financial Information For Individuals

IRS' Response To The Coronavirus

The IRS developed an information page to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus. It contains information such as extended income tax deadlines and the distribution of economic impact payments.

The website states economic impact payments will be disbursed in the next three weeks and will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people. However, taxpayers who do not typically file returns will need to file a simple tax return to receive the payment. Answers to frequently asked questions about the payment can also be found here.

To Check Your Tax Refund Status

MyTax Illinois allows businesses to register for taxes, file returns, make payments, and manage their tax accounts. It also allows users to look up tax rates and check their tax refund status.

Opportunities To Help

Opportunities For Healthcare Providers

Illinois Helps is seeking the help of licensed healthcare providers to fight against COVID-19. Physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, physician assistants, LPNs, CNAs, podiatrists, and dentists can register here to provide assistance.