COVID-19 Updates

COVID-19 Information

Local 219 General Membership

This page has been established to provide you with resources and some expectations of what to expect over the next few days, weeks and months. We will do our best to communicate pertinent information in a timely fashion.

The top of this page will give you specific resource links. The body below will be an at large membership message.

12/1/2020 – Update

Please us the link below for information regarding members 80 hours of sick pay.

Information on 80 hours of sick pay due to being off for COVID-19

4/28/2020 – Update

Please us the link below for information regarding safe practices on construction sites.

NABTU and CPWR COVID-19 Standards for US Construction Sites

4/23/2020 – Update

Please use the link below for information regarding mental health resources

SMART Mental Health Resources

4/15/2020 – Update

Updates from Mayor McNamara –

Just one month ago, we announced the first case of COVID-19 in Winnebago County. Since then, we’ve announced 119 confirmed cases and 8 deaths from the disease. My thoughts are with these families during this incredibly difficult time.

As we continue to battle this public health crisis, please remember that as a community we are stronger when we are together. We’re working behind the scenes to position and prepare for a rebound.

To get there, we must remain vigilant. Stay home. Practice social distancing. Wash your hands and other surfaces frequently. Stay healthy and stay hopeful!

Tom

Donations Center

The Winnebago County Emergency Operations Center, in coordination with The Salvation Army, has announced the opening of the COVID-19 Donations Center. The center, located at 5460 E. State Street in Rockford (the former Circuit City building), is accepting donations Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations (except PPE) will be distributed to agencies serving the homeless and those in need during the COVID-19 crisis. Personal Protective Equipment donations will be distributed to local health care facilities.

The following items are the ONLY items accepted at the center:

General donations

paper products (paper towels, napkins and paper plates)
personal hygiene items (shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, razors, lotion, and body wash)
baby care items (diapers, baby wipes, baby blankets, baby bottles and formula)
cleaning supplies
laundry supplies
homemade face masks

Personal protective equipment for first responders and health care workers:

N95 masks (NIOSH approved)
Procedure masks (ASTM II or III)
Isolation gowns
Exam gloves (nitrile or vinyl)
Eye protection (glasses or goggles)
Face shields
Hand wipes
TYVEK suits
Sanitizing wipes
Sanitizing sprays
Anti-microbial hand soap
Hand sanitizer
Biohazards bags
Gallons of bleach
Thermometers (touchfree)
Shoe covers

Community members interested in making masks should follow the guidance provided by CDC.

When dropping off donations, community members will stay in their car. Masked and gloved volunteers will collect the items from the vehicle. Donations should not be dropped off outside of the staffed hours.

Special thanks to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, National Electrical Contractors Association, Fitzgerald Equipment, Rockford ShareFest, and First Free Rockford, as well as numerous other community partners.

State-Wide Support Resource

The Illinois Department of Human Services launched a free emotional support text line for Illinoisans experiencing stress related to COVID-19: Call4Calm. This isn’t a crisis hotline, but a source of support.

If you want to speak to a counselor, text TALK to 552020, or HABLAR for Spanish speakers.

You can also access a wider array of supports using the same number on your mobile phone. Text 552020 with keywords such as “unemployment” or “food” or “shelter” to receive information to help you navigate getting assistance.

No Solicitation

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Rockford revoked all solicitation licenses, which means that within the City of Rockford no company (including roofers) should show up at your door trying to sell you something. If they do, please collect the company name and phone number and email the information to COVID19@wchd.org.

Business Resources

We’ve put together a list of local, state and federal resources for businesses in both English and Spanish.

Visit https://rockfordil.gov/preparing-for-covid-19/.

Community Resources

Call (779)348-7575 if you need FOOD or PRESCRIPTIONS but have no means of transportation. A phone screening will be done to determine eligibility and your needs. The City of Rockford Community Action Agency is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
If you have money but can’t go out, are you able to order groceries from a delivery service? Many stores have delivery available through their own website or through instacart.com or www.shipt.com. Stores with delivery options include (but are not limited to): Walmart, Sam’s Club, Aldi’s, Schnucks, Meijer, CVS, and Target. Most stores also have a curb-side pickup option.
Call (779) 348-7575 if you have no way to get your LAUNDRY done. Laundry Love will be assisting with laundry services on a limited basis. Call for information.
Call (844) 710-6919 if you need assistance with paying heating costs or electric bill or if you have received a late notice for your rent or mortgage. Eligibility requirements will apply.
Call 211 if you are feeling lonely, isolated or fearful. The United Way service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

4/6/2020 – Update

How do I know if I can receive paid sick leave for a Federal, State, or local quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19?

For purposes of the FFCRA, a Federal, State, or local quarantine or isolation order includes quarantine or isolation orders, as well as shelter-in-place or stay-at-home orders, issued by any Federal, State, or local government authority that cause you to be unable to work (or to telework) even though your employer has work that you could perform but for the order. You may not take paid sick leave for this qualifying reason if your employer does not have work for you as a result of a shelter-in-place or a stay-at-home order. In the instance where your employer does not have work for you as a result of a shelter-in-place or a stay-at-home order, please see Questions 23-27.

When am I eligible for paid sick leave to self-quarantine?

You are eligible for paid sick leave if a health care provider directs or advises you to stay home or otherwise quarantine yourself because the health care provider believes that you may have COVID-19 or are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, and quarantining yourself based upon that advice prevents you from working (or teleworking).

I am an employee. I become ill with COVID-19 symptoms, decide to quarantine myself for two weeks, and then return to work. I do not seek a medical diagnosis or the advice of a health care provider. Can I get paid for those two weeks under the FFCRA?

Generally no. If you become ill with COVID-19 symptoms, you may take paid sick leave under the FFCRA only to seek a medical diagnosis or if a health care provider otherwise advises you to self-quarantine. If you test positive for the virus associated with COVID-19 or are advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine, you may continue to take paid sick leave. You may not take paid sick leave under the FFCRA if you unilaterally decide to self-quarantine for an illness without medical advice, even if you have COVID-19 symptoms. Note that you may not take paid sick leave under the FFCRA if you become ill with an illness not related to COVID-19. Depending on your employer’s expectations and your condition, however, you may be able to telework during your period of quarantine.

3/30/2020 – Update

For Essential Workers Seeking Child Care

A dedicated help line has been created so Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (CCR&Rs) can help connect essential worker families to emergency child care. Call toll-free (888) 228-1146. The helpline will be available from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Monday through Friday to answer calls, but callers will be able to leave a message 24 hours a day.
To find emergency child care in your area, visit COVID-19 Emergency Provider Search https://emergencycare.inccrra.org/.
For residents in Cook County, Illinois Action for Children (IAFC) has launched a temporary text messaging service to answer Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) questions during IAFC’s office closure. Text: 312-736-7390 Monday through Friday between 8:30 AM-5:00 PM. Priority will be given to first responders, health care workers, and essential workers to help them find and pay for child care.
GOECD – Child Care Closures: A Letter to Families https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/OECD/Documents/Child%20Care%20Closure_Letter%20to%20Families.pdf
CDC – Emergency Responders: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself https://emergency.cdc.gov/coping/responders.asp

3/27/20 – Update

SMOHIT COVID-19 Guidelines SMOHIT Guidance on COVID-19 Joint Statement on Covid-19 Outbreak from SMART-SMACNA

SMOHIT COVID-19 Guidelines

SMOHIT Guidance on COVID-19

3/23/20 – Update

In an effort to maintain Safe Social Distance, access to the Union and Health & Welfare are being restricted to deliveries and scheduled appointments until further notice. If you need assistance, please call us at 815-874-6641.

3/19/20 – Update

Governor Pritzker has signed an Executive Order to assist with unemployment access due to COVID-19. A Summary can be found here.
It is our position that we recommend you should work if the job site safety supports it. This environment will be fluid for the next several weeks. It is also our position that you should follow the recommendations made by the CDC to minimize the spread and effects of this virus.
We should expect changes on jobsites over the next several weeks. You may see some projects shutdown and others requiring different start times, temperature taking and more wash stations.
As this situation unfolds, we are continuing to review all of our resources, locally and nationally, to minimize the impact to our membership. If you or another member are deemed high risk, relating to the virus, let us know ASAP by email at SMART219@smwlocal219.org , call the office at 815-874-6641 or call The Business Manager Joseph Cook directly at 815-590-3731.

3/16/2020

Currently we are coordinating with all Sheet Metal Workers Locals in our State Council to anticipate and manage the impact on our membership. As we learn more information, we will update you on this page.
It is likely we will be limiting “in person” access to the Union and Welfare office to those who make an appointment. This plan is still in development and we will share updates as the strategies are implemented.
Welfare office: 815-874-9996 or email at margaret@mutualmedical.com
Union Office: 815-874-6641 or email at SMART219@smwlocal219.org.
Currently, any gatherings of 50 people or more is not recommended. It is likely that our Union meeting will be canceled in March and April. More information will be provided as this develops.
Effective Tuesday March 16th , all apprenticeship and night training classes have been suspended until further notice. We will continue to monitor the effects, threats and directives of the CDC and make educated decisions as information becomes available.

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