IAA Covid-19 Update

Resources and Guidance

Required COVID-19 Posters

The US Department of Labor is requiring that all active businesses display the Employee Rights: Paid Sick Leave and Expanded Family and Medical Leave under The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) poster. To get a copy of this poster follow the links below.
Posters in English
Posters in Spanish

Here are some ways Tree Care Businesses can stay up to date and provide support until the virus is contained:

• The US Department of Labor (DOL) has put together this guidance on common issues employers and employees face when responding to COVID-19, and its effects on wages and hours worked under the Fair Labor Standards Act and job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act. We strongly encourage our members to become familiar with the provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act, and to review the Department of Labor page closely.
• Visit the CDC’s website often for a comprehensive overview of the novel coronavirus. Arming yourself with accurate information from a reliable source will help lessen the spread of false or exaggerated information.
  • Through the CDC, you will find the latest situation updates, information on Keeping Workplaces, Homes, Schools, or Commercial Establishments Safe, and other relevant resources.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering a suite of programs designed to help small businesses navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. These funding programs should be closely reviewed by all tree care companies adversely impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 situation. Learn more by visiting the SBA Coronavirus Relief website here.
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a website providing information to workers and employers on the COVID-19 pandemic. Employers with questions about OSHA enforcement, standards, hazard identification, and more can visit this website here. Some highlights include:
  • OSHA’s Interim Enforcement Response Plan for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
  • COVID-19 Hazard Recognition
  • Key OSHA Standards relating to COVID-19
• Similarly, the Wage and Hour Division is providing information on common issues employers and employees face when responding to COVID-19, including effects on wages and hours worked under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
  • Share your organization’s policies and procedures with employees as soon as possible to avoid confusion and unnecessary risks. 
• Review your company’s sick leave policy. Employees that show cold or flu-like symptoms should stay home and away from others and should be tested promptly. Advise employees when applicable that health insurance providers have waived co-payments associated with testing. Employers are encouraged to be flexible with sick employees or those who are caring for a sick family member. 
  • DO NOT require a healthcare provider’s note for employees who request sick time, as providers’ offices will be very busy in the case of an outbreak. If you or an employee does visit a healthcare provider’s office, the CDC strongly recommends calling ahead. 

As of May 5, 2020
TCIA’s COVID-19 Update on Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Unemployment Insurance Guidance Updated
CLICK HERE

As of April 4, 2020
TCIA’s COVID-19 News & Updates
CLICK HERE for TCIA’s up-to-date information.

April 4, 2020
This video was a virtual round table on the impact and steps being taken to manage the COVID-19 Pandemic. The video was hosted by the Illinois Arborist Association with contributions from TCIA, ArboRisk and Peggy Drescher (consulting arborist). Please note that Peggy’s talk with very difficult to understand as it was breaking in and out. You may contact Peggy via email at pydrescher@gmail.com if you’d like more information about it.
CLICK HERE to view the discussion on YouTube.

As of March 28, 2020
Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce
CLICK HERE for the latest MEMORANDUM ON IDENTIFICATION OF ESSENTIAL CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE WORKERS DURING COVID-19 RESPONSE

As of March 24, 2020
Please CLICK HERE to read a joint statement from the Illinois Landscape Contractors Assocation, the Illinois Green Industry Assocation, and the Illinois Arborist Association regarding green industry work during the “Stay-at-Home” Executive Order issued on March 20, 2020.

CLICK HERE for ArboRisk’s Tree Care Owners Guide to Combating Coronavirus

CLICK HERE for Openlands Guide to Where to go Outdoors

As of March 23, 2020
Dear Valued IAA Members:
Since Governor Pritzker announced his “Stay-at-Home” order on March 20th, we have been working with industry partners and organizations to get clarity on how tree work fits into the list of “essential” services. This morning, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity issued a follow up FAQ document to help clarify what services are considered essential and how those companies can move forward. Please read the entire document here. 
Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity FAQ

Based on the following question-and-answer in the FAQ, tree care operations, which would fall under the umbrella of landscape work, will be permitted to continue work operations.For further information on what our industry organizations consider to be “essential” services, please refer to the TCIA/ISA Joint Statement.

Can residential and commercial lawn service remain open?Yes. Many landscape projects will fit under an exemption such as construction, agriculture, or public works. Outdoor landscape projects generally will provide for good social distancing that poses little risk of transmission, but it still is important to ensure the ability to wash or sanitize hands and take other precautionsAs an organization, we cannot provide a recommendation as to whether individual businesses continue to operate during the “Stay-at-Home” period. Whether or not your company chooses to work, please take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your employees from the spread of COVID-19. Please consult the CDC website for information on symptoms and ways to stay healthy.
Regards,
IAA Executive Committee

As of 3/19/2020
Dear Illinois Arborist Association members:
As you know, our industry will likely be dramatically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are currently in the process of appealing to state and federal government organizations to keep our services listed as “essential services” so that the majority of our work may continue during this developing situation. This is a primary concern of our organization, to work on behalf of our membership, and our resolve is unwavering in this regard.
That said, unfortunately we have had to cancel and/or postpone all of our events through May 8. Below is a list of those events. We will be frequently updating this information as the situation evolves. During this time, we want to stress that we as an organization are here to answer your questions and provide guidance through this challenging time. Please maintain public safety as a primary concern during these times and see the below links for further information.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if we can be of assistance.
IAA Executive Committee
April Toney, Executive Director