Health system implements mask mandate
OSF Healthcare has announced a new masking requirement for all employees, patients and visitors.
Officials cite an increase in respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, influenza and RSV as the reason. The health system is also allowing only two visitors per patient at a time.
Similar visitor restrictions are also in place at Memorial Health and Hospital Sisters Health System hospitals.
Complaint statute of limitations extended
Illinoisans seeking to file a charge of discrimination, harassment or retaliation will soon have more time to file with the Illinois Department of Human Rights after the date of the incident, in most cases.
Effective Jan. 1, a new law expands the statute of limitations on non-housing cases from 300 days to two years. The measure extends the deadline for filing a charge of discrimination in the contexts of employment, financial credit, and public services and accommodations, including educational institutions.
For housing cases, the time remains unchanged, one year to file a charge with the agency or two years to file a complaint in circuit court.
Loan amounts increase
Loan amounts from the state to certain groups are increasing in the new year.
The legislation now increases the amount the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity can loan for minority, veteran, female and disability loans. The total increases from $400,000 to $2 million.
