Coronavirus Resources Roundup
May 29, 2020
As global concern over the novel coronavirus (now known as COVID-19) increases, there are a number of resources available to provide commercial real estate professionals with credible information on how to mitigate the potential health and business impacts.
GOVERNMENTAL UPDATES
> City of Chicago Adds Wisconsin, Missouri, North Dakota and Nebraska to State Quarantine List
After adding Kansas in recent weeks, the City of Chicago updated its quarantine list to include Wisconsin and three other states effective July 31. There are now 22 states from which travelers are being told to self-quarantine upon arrival in Chicago. Learn more about the City's Emergency Travel Order.
> Mayor Lightfoot Issues New Restrictions on Bars, Restaurants and Gyms
Learn more about the new restrictions that go into effect Friday, July 24.
> City of Chicago and State of Illinois Advance to Phase 4 on June 26
The Mayor and Governor announced the City and State will both advance to Phase 4 on Friday, June 26. Because the City and State offer varying guidelines, it's important to note significant differences between the those issued by the State of Illinois and those issued by the City of Chicago. Members can view additional information about how to navigate both sets of guidelines in our Preparedness section.
State and city guidelines for Phase 4 can be viewed and downloaded here:
- State guidelines for Office Buildings
- State guidelines for Health & Fitness Facilities
- City guidelines for Office Buildings
- City guidelines for Health & Fitness Facilities
> State of Illinois Restore Illinois Plan
On May 5, Governor Pritzker unveiled his administration’s plan, called Restore Illinois, that would allow for a five-phase approach to fully re-open Illinois. View the Restore Illinois Plan.
RECORDED WEBINARS
Webinar Series: Keeping Business Moving Amid Disruption
April 16-30, Presented by BOMA/Chicago Premier Partner Comcast Business
>> BOMA International Education Webinars (on-demand recordings)
COVID-19: Maintaining Building Operations During Shutdown and Preparing for Re-Occupancy (April 8, 2020)
COVID-19: Risk Mitigation, Planning and Preparing for Re-Occupancy (April 8, 2020)
Business Interruption Webinar Presented by BOMA International, IREM, NAA and CCIM Institute (April 7, 2020)
BOMA Canada's Coronavirus Legal and Human Resources Webinar (April 6, 2020)
Yardi Webinar on COVID-19's Impact on Commercial Real Estate (April 2, 2020)
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT RESOURCES
>> Property Tax Relief
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announces property tax relief ordinance, which would waive late fees on property tax payments for two months. Learn more about the proposed ordinance.
>> Water System Safety
Please be aware of water system safety during periods of low occupancy.
The CDC has published a guidance on building water systems. It can be accessed through this link: CDC Guidance for Building Water Systems.
Additional information on the concern regarding water system safety during COVID-19 can be found at this link from Purdue University.
>> Labor
Memorandum of Agreement with SEIU Local 1
BOMA/Chicago's Board of Directors ratified a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with SEIU Local 1. The MOA is effective as of March 26, 2020 and provides Employers with much-needed flexibility to adjust the number, scope, schedule, and hours of the security and cleaning workforce as building conditions are and continue to change in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Head over to the Coronavirus Resources Labor Resources to access this recap (you must log into website to access document).
Labor Contract Resources for Signatory Building
BOMA/Chicago’s labor counsel has provided a memo that explains and clarifies relevant provisions in our collective bargaining agreement with IUOE Local 399 dealing with changes in workloads, staffing and compensation issues arising as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Head over to the Coronavirus Resources Labor Resources to access this recap (you must log into website to access document).
Recap of Federal Economic Relief in Response to Coronavirus
BOMA/Chicago’s labor law firm, Cozen O'Connor, provided a recap of some of the major provisions of the law which includes modifications to FMLA, paid sick leave, health care, tax credits and unemployment. The recap is available to all BOMA/Chicago members and requires you to be logged into the site to see and access the link to the recap document below. Head over to the Coronavirus Resources Labor Resources to access this recap (you must log into website to access document).
> Construction Work
The City of Chicago's Department of Buildings has issued the following guidance regarding construction work during the Governor's Stay at Home Order:
* Construction Deemed Essential Service in Governor's 'Stay at Home' Executive Order
* COVID-19-Related Guidance for Construction Workers
>> Preparedness Checklist
COVID 19 Preparedness Checklist for Property Professionals
BOMA International has released a a COVID 19 Preparedness Checklist, to help property professionals navigate this public health concern.
>> Property Tax Assessments
Assessor Kaegi's office suspends assessment notice mailings and property tax appeal deadlines.
>> Tenant FAQ
BOMA International released a Coronavirus (COVID-19) Tenant FAQ As the recent COVID-19 outbreak continues to rapidly evolve, building owners and operators must implement emergency response plans, anticipate risks and provide thoughtful and timely responses to tenant questions. What follows are industry best practices, as well as sample language that might be helpful to use when communicating with building occupants. It is encouraged that individual building teams modify this language to reflect their particular property, the conditions in their area and other factors. The materials below do not contain formal legal advice or healthcare recommendations and may not be applicable to all properties; it is strongly recommended that you stay in contact with your local health officials and consult with your legal counsel on any crisis communications.
BUSINESS RESOURCES
> Small Business Paycheck Protection Program
The Paycheck Protection Program provides small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. Funds are provided in the form of loans that will be fully forgiven when used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities (due to likely high subscription, at least 75% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll). Read the following for more information:
* Paycheck Protection Program Overview
* Paycheck Protection Program Information Sheet
* Paycheck Protection Program Application Form
> Summaries of Federal Economic Stimulus Acts
CARES Act summary of small business loan provision, prepared by the US Chamber of Commerce
CARES Act summary of real estate provisions and their tax impacts, prepared by BOMA International
One page summary of the Keeping American Workers Paid and Employed Act, prepared by Republican and Democratic leadership of the US Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
>> Federal Guidance to Plan, Prepare and Respond to Coronavirus
Interim Guidance for Business and Employers to Plan and Respond to COVID-19 (US CDC)
Guidance for Preparing Workplaces on COVID-19 (OSHA) Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations (US CDC)
>> Restaurant Dining and Tavern Closure Support
The City of Chicago issued Guidance and Support for Covid-19 Restrictions on Restaurant Dining and Taverns.
Restaurant Dining and Tavern Closure Q&A from the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection
>> Employment Laws and COVID-19 Health Emergencies
What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws (including technical assistance on measuring employees' body temperature)
US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
COVID-19 or Other Public Health Emergencies and the Fair Labor Standards Act Questions and Answers)
US Department of Labor
COVID-19 or Other Public Health Emergencies and the Family and Medical Leave Act Questions and Answers
US Department of Labor
Pandemic Preparedness in the Workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act
US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
COVID-19
Occupational Health and Safety Administration
GOVERNMENTAL RESOURCES
>> City of Chicago Resources on COVID-19
For the latest information and updates on Chicago’s response to COVID 19, including available guidance documents for businesses and employers visit the Chicago Department of Public Health COVID 19 webpage.
>> State of Illinois Resources on COVID-19
The State of Illinois has launched a webpage with the latest coronavirus information and updates.
>> President Trump Issues Guidelines for Opening America
On April 16, President Trump issued federal guidelines for reopening America, outlined in three phases. Head over to the White House website to read the "Opening Up America Again" guidelines.
BOMA/CHICAGO IN THE COMMUNITY
>> Blood and Food Donations
Blood and Food Donations are urgently needed in the Chicagoland community. Find out how you can help.
BOMA INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES
BOMA International has a number of resources and guidance documents available related to the coronavirus. For more information, head over to BOMA International's Coronavirus Resources Roundup on their website.
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