For Immediate Release
For additional information, please contact:
Gary Camarano
Whiteside County Economic Development
815.772.5247
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Cory Law
Whiteside County Health Department
815.626.2230 Ext. 1224
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Whiteside County Prepares for Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois Plan
May 27, 2020 – On Sunday, May 24, the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) released the Phase 3 Guidelines for Reopening Businesses and Returning People to Work Safely, https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/pages/restoreILP3.aspx and from all appearances, Whiteside County is set to begin Phase 3 of Illinois’ reopening plan. Whiteside County’s department of Health spokesperson, Cory Law announced today that the County is within the State’s guidelines for reopening, and along with its local partners, has begun disseminating information for safely reopening Whiteside County businesses. This Guidance includes both general and specific guidelines and toolkits for 10 industry categories, including Manufacturing, Offices, Retail, Service, Health and Fitness, Personal Care, Restaurants and Bars, Outdoor Recreation, Day Camps, and Youth Sports. The DCEO office can be reached for question or comment through their Business Hotline Monday through Friday at 1-800-252-2923 or by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The full guidelines can be accessed at https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/pages/restoreILP3.aspx
Jim Duffy, Whiteside County Board Chair said, “This has been a difficult time for everyone. First, our sympathies go out to those who have lost family and friends, or are battling this virus. Additionally, we are concerned for those impacted economically during this pandemic, and are worried about jobs, homes, and businesses. Locally, the County, the Whiteside County Health Department, and all of its partners – medical professionals and hospitals, the Chambers of Commerce, educational institutions, economic development organizations, municipalities and faith and industry leaders have been collaborating with our Federal, State and Regional partners to find ways to support our community and the businesses that serve them through the recovery process.”
Mr. Duffy added, “As a group, we’ve done a good job containing the virus, providing assistance, and getting information out, and our community has really stepped up as well. Whether it’s been contributions to food banks, or businesses like Wahl and Halo shifting gears and getting involved in the manufacture and distribution of Personal Protective Equipment, our community has performed admirably.”
To help businesses navigate the Phase 3 Guidelines, County officials recommend these sources of information and assistance:
- Restaurants and Bars: Restaurants and Bars or other food service should reach out to the Whiteside County Health Department Environmental Office at 815-772-7411 Ext. 104
- Businesses: Businesses other than food service can reach out to their local Chamber of Commerce or the Whiteside County Health Department at 815-626-2230.
- Individuals: Individuals with questions or comments can reach out to the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, Whiteside County Health Department, or local elected officials.
Mr. Law commented, “We realize this has been a difficult time for individuals and businesses and appreciate the interest and effort our community and partners have shown in working together to keep our community safe. The general emphasis from these recommendations is to find ways to limit possible exposure through social distancing, masking, symptom monitoring and altering processes and workflow to protect those at high risk.”
For more information on Phase 3 Guidance visit: https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/pages/restoreILP3.aspx
Photo caption – Whiteside County Health Department’s Samantha Parks,
a Front Line Hero, stands ready to administer COVID-19 tests.
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