EAST ST. LOUIS – After noticing that the Metro East COVID-19 positive cases and fatalities were declining, State Senator Christopher Belt insisted that Gov. Pritzker’s administration move the southern region into the next phase of the recovery plan, which will open many small businesses such as retail stores.

“Over the past several weeks, our families have been following the Stay At Home Order and numbers have been declining, so many Metro East legislators feel our region should be rewarded with moving to the next phase,” Belt said. “The recovery phase will remove the financial hardship that many small businesses are facing and lead to a path of sustaining the Metro East economy.” 

Read more: Belt urges Gov. Pritzker to move Metro East to recovery phase

EAST ST. LOUIS - To increase the testing capacity for downstate residents, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) announced a new COVID-19 testing facility will open in East St. Louis at Jackie Joyner Kersee Center on Wednesday, May 6 with drive-thru and walk-up services.

 “It’s vital that every community has direct access to a testing facility to help treat, isolate or hospitalize people who are infected,” said Belt. “I am happy that East St. Louis residents and the rest of the Metro East are receiving easier access to testing to ensure a strong recovery of the downstate communities.” 

Read more: Belt announces new East St. Louis COVID-19 testing site to open Wednesday

EAST ST. LOUIS –  Following the announcement of many state parks reopening, and Frank Holten State Recreation Area not being on that list, State Senator Christopher Belt (D- Centreville) joined fellow downstate Democrats in sending a letter to the governor urging him to work with the legislature to reopen several recreational areas that were not reopened. 

“With many residents starting to feel lonely and stressed during the stay at home order, reopening a local park could give them something to do outside that would ease those feelings,” Belt said. “I understand sanitary procedures need to be in place before reopening the park, but with proper social distancing and use of face masks, Frank Holten State Recreation Area should be reopened.” 

If Frank Holten State Recreation Area were to reopen, it could provide many residents with an avenue to occasionally escape the confines of their homes, Belt urged. 

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) is reminding residents that independent contractors and employees in the “gig economy” can apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance from the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

“Entrepreneurs can receive much needed assistance during this financially difficult time,” Belt said. “The assistance will help people affected reduce some of their financial hardship and provide them with unemployment benefits.” 

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program provides up to 39 weeks of federally funded unemployment benefits to individuals not typically eligible for unemployment benefits. In order to be eligible for the PUA program, applicants must first prove they are ineligible for regular unemployment insurance through IDES. After being denied for unemployment insurance, applicants will be considered for the PUA program. People can file for unemployment insurance here or call 800-244-5631.

Read more: Belt encourages independent contractors to apply for new unemployment program