News Room

Champaign County Safety Pledge Launched to Keep Health and Safety of Workers, Residents, Students, and Future Visitors at the Forefront

May 21, 2020 | Category: Business, Champaign County

Today, a coalition of local organizations and municipalities have launched a new online resource to help Champaign County businesses as they progress through the next stages of the state’s Restore Illinois plan. The new website – champaigncountysafe.org – was developed to maintain the safety and well-being of our communities and to share information and resources with businesses in Champaign County. The site will serve as a hub for Champaign County businesses to access resources, including re-opening guidelines, sample signage, PPE suppliers, local cleaning companies, local printers and more.

As Champaign County launches its new online resource to support businesses navigating the next phases of Illinois’ reopening plan, it’s crucial to emphasize the significance of prioritizing workers’ safety and mitigating risks. Amidst the transition, providing accessible information on safety topics for work meetings becomes paramount in fostering a culture of awareness and preparedness. By integrating discussions on workplace safety into routine meetings, businesses can proactively address potential hazards and empower employees to contribute to a safer work environment. You can learn more about worker safety on Veriforce.

The re-opening guidelines, following the state of Illinois’ Restore Illinois plan, highlight communication strategies for various types of businesses and provide details on how to prepare workspaces, cleaning and disinfecting procedures, PPE tutorials, and general information on COVID-19. This information will assist industries ranging from agriculture to childcare to manufacturing and hospitality – all with specific guidelines on employee and customer protection, sanitation standards, social distancing, and much more.

Businesses are also asked to take the Champaign County Safe Pledge. The pledge sets out expectations customers can have when visiting local businesses, including:

  • Employees wearing masks
  • Employees frequently washing their hands
  • Surfaces, equipment, and other elements of the business are regularly cleaned and
  • sanitized
  • Social distancing measures are in place

Businesses can complete the pledge online and upon review, will be added to a comprehensive list of pledged businesses that the public can review. Businesses can then post their signed pledge in their windows to show their commitment to the health and safety of employees and customers.

As guidelines continue to evolve, the site and all the resources will be updated, so businesses should check back frequently for the latest information. The documents will be updated on a regular basis as more information is shared by the state of Illinois, Centers for Disease Control, Illinois Department of Public Health, and Champaign-Urbana Public Health District.

Participating organizations include: City of Champaign, City of Urbana, Village of Mahomet, Village of Rantoul, Village of Savoy, Champaign County, Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, Illinois SBDC at Champaign County EDC, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Parkland College, New American Welcome Center at the University YMCA, United Way of Champaign County, Community Foundation of East Central Illinois, Champaign County Regional Planning Commission, University of Illinois Research Park, Champaign County Chamber of Commerce, Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, Visit Champaign County, Champaign Center Partnership, Urbana Business Association, and Champaign County Black Chamber of Commerce.

Press:

Champaign County Safe: Businesses Pledge to Fulfill Expectations, ChambanaMoms

Champaign County Safe offers resources for businesses that are reopening, Smile Politely

New Site Provides Local Businesses Guidance On How To Safely Reopen, Illinois Newsroom

Online resource hub published for reopening businesses, WCIA

Champaign County launches website to share COVID-19 resources, FOX Illinois

https://www.facebook.com/ChampaignCity/videos/vb.192348754121201/264238158267203/?type=2&theater