McLean County Chamber launches new guide for businesses to navigate COVID-19

Posted on May 7, 2020
The new guide for local businesses can be found here. (Photo Google Maps)

 

By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – As many Central Illinois businesses anxiously wait to reopen their doors, the McLean County Chamber of Commerce has released a guide for reopening in the age of COVID-19.

According to Gov. JB Pritzker’s “Restore Illinois” plan, in phase three, retail stores may open their doors with social distancing guidelines and occupancy limits. But the governor said that phase can not start until at least May 29.

On BNPrepared.org, the McLean County Chamber has provided a new toolkit for businesses so they can be prepared when allowed to reopen.

“We don’t want to be like the wild west and just open the doors and see what happens,” Chamber CEO Charlie Moore told WJBC’s Marc Strauss earlier this week. “What is the very specific process and how are we being safe to keep health and wellness a top priority as we go through the reopening? I think that means how many people in a space at a time, cleaning protocols, and masking.”

Moore said he hopes businesses can reopen before June 1 and discussions are happening with state officials.

Currently, non-essential retail stores and restaurants may be open, but they can only offer curbside and delivery options.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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