RANTOUL – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is partnering with Walgreens to host a community flu shot clinic Thursday, Nov. 12 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Hap Parker Family Aquatic Center, located at 320 W. Flessner Ave. in Rantoul.

“Given the current pandemic, it’s even more important this year to get a flu shot to stay healthy and to keep our neighbors healthy,” Bennett said. “This clinic will provide a convenient and safe way to get a flu shot while maintaining social distancing.”

The flu vaccine clinics will be held outdoors in a drive-up format to allow appropriate social distancing. Masks will still be required, and safety precautions will be in place to promote a safe and healthy environment for everyone. Participants are required to bring their insurance card and photo ID to receive a flu shot.

In addition to getting a flu vaccine, Bennett reminds residents to continue to wear a mask, wash their hands often and watch their distance.

For more information, contact Bennett’s Champaign office at 217-355-5252 or his Danville office at 217-442-5252, or visit SenatorBennett.com.

DANVILLE – As COVID-19 continues to spread, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) announced the Illinois Department of Public Health will operate a temporary COVID-19 testing site now through Sunday, Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day in the north parking lot of Danville Area Community College, located at 2000 E. Main St. in Danville.

“Along with wearing masks, testing is a critical tool that will help us defeat this virus,” Bennett said. “Whether you are exhibiting symptoms or not, I encourage residents to stop by DACC and get tested this week.”

Anyone will be able to get tested at the site for free, regardless of symptoms. No appointment is necessary, but daily testing supplies are limited, so residents are encouraged to visit early.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell.

However, people with COVID-19 can spread the virus before they start showing symptoms, and some individuals may be asymptomatic. For this reason, IDPH recommends testing for anyone who has recently been part of a large gathering or has been in contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus.

For more information about COVID-19 testing, visit http://www.dph.illinois.gov/testing.

DANVILLE – With the holiday season fast approaching and the COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is reminding residents to shop small and support local businesses whenever possible. 

“Small businesses play a vital role in our economy, and it’s important that we promote and support them this holiday season,” Bennett said. “I encourage folks to think about the difference they can make in our community by supporting businesses where our friends and neighbors work.”

As people begin their holiday shopping, Bennett is reminding residents that supporting small doesn’t just mean shopping at brick-and-mortar stores. Residents can support small businesses through online sales, ordering carryout from a locally owned restaurant or buying a gift card for a friend.

Additionally, if money is tight due to the financial concerns relating to the pandemic, people can still support local businesses by following their social media, recommending them to friends and leaving positive reviews.

“For every dollar spent at a small business, 67 cents stays in the community. Small businesses have always been there for us, and now it’s time to give back,” Bennett said. “We can give these folks a hand up this holiday season by shopping locally.”

Bennett would also like to remind struggling small businesses that the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has launched the second round of the Business Interruption Grant program, which will distribute $220 million to small businesses hit hardest by the ongoing pandemic, including movie theaters, event venues, hotels and more. Learn more and apply here.

CHAMPAIGN – To help the many small business owners facing economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) announced Champaign and Vermilion County businesses will receive aid through the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program. 

“The BIG program is essential to small businesses who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Bennett said. “I’m pleased to see so many businesses take advantage of this grant opportunity, and I would like to see more apply while funding is still available.”

In the district Bennett represents, 32 businesses received a combined $1,655,000. Each business received between $5,000 and $150,000 to be used to help cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded the grants this week, as part of the second round of the BIG program. However, applications will remain open until all of the funding is spent.

“These grants are a great step toward recovery, but our small business community needs much more of our support,” Bennett said. “I look forward to working with governor’s administration to find more resources for our hurting businesses. On an individual level, it’s important to shop local, especially during the holiday season, because that money goes right back into our economy.” 

The BIG program is the largest state-run economic support program formed in response to the financial losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are available on the DCEO website.