Illinois announces new instructions for 1099 workers to file for unemployment benefits. Many horsemen fall into this category. Click below for more.
https://www2.illinois.gov/ides/SitePages/NewsArticleDisplay.aspx?NewsID=500
Unfortunately, we still have no word on when we can return to work. We had been anticipating that by now, we would have a plan in place for a return to live racing without spectators. The decision rests in the hands of the Governor and his staff. As an industry, horsemen, racetracks and the Illinois Dept. of Agriculture have submitted a plan on how we can return to racing safely. The Dept. of Public Health has looked at the plan and agreed with its practices. For the past 7-10 days we have consistently been assured that we would soon get direction on how and when we could proceed. Yet still, no game plan. So what is next? We will continue to make phone calls and send e-mails. We will continue to reach out to anyone capable of helping. Yes, we feel the frustration, yes, we understand the dire economic situation for so many of you. Another covid-19 related matter that has recently been discussed was the possibility that this year’s Springfield and DuQuoin state fairs may not happen. No final word has been announced but keep in mind that if those state fairs are indeed cancelled it’s not an automatic that we will not race our critical Illinois-Bred Stakes. We believe that although the fair would not be open to the public, we should be able to still run our races. We’ll continue to update everyone as information becomes available. Hang in there, Be safe
The IHHA Board of Directors wants to remind everyone again that we are working together with Hawthorne, the Illinois Dept. of Agriculture and the Governor’s office to return to live racing as soon as safely possible. We do understand the anxiety that this is causing everyone but we assure you we are doing everything we can to expedite this situation. Returning to live racing is a complex issue with many different parts to the process. While our goal is to get back to work we need to be confident that we can do it safely and not risk having to shut down again later in the year. When we do return, please understand that there will be a “new normal.” Strict new safety rules will be in place. Highlights include, only essential workers will be allowed in the backstretch, everyone will have their temperature taken, everyone will wear facemasks, horses and workers will be spread out over multiple barns instead of racing out of the traditional one paddock. Security will strictly be enforced. If you can’t abide by the new rules, your horse will be scratched and you will be told to leave. We will publish all of the specific requirements and a schedule once they become official.
With the Governor extending his stay at home order in Illinois until May 30, questions arise regarding if that means harness racing in Illinois will be shut down until then as well. Short answer…we don’t know yet. We continue to work with Hawthorne and the Illinois Dept. of Agriculture and the Illinois Dept. of Public Health to get back to work as soon as possible. We have submitted a “game plan” on how we can alter what we do on our live racing nights to stay safe. We have been in communication with the Governor’s office and are hopeful that we can return to work before then. We will keep you updated as soon as any information is available. Be smart, stay safe.
The IHHA wants everyone to know that we are in constant communication with the Illinois Dept. of Agriculture and Hawthorne to find the quickest and safest way to return to work. The Governor will ultimately make the decision on when the time is right. He has issued a “stay at home order” until April 30. That order has included shutting down all non-essential businesses. We are hopeful that we will return to racing shortly thereafter but that is still to be determined. We should hear something within the next week on whether we get the green light to race or not. We will get the word out as soon as we hear something either way. Hang in there, stay safe.
