You are here
DC and Montgomery County Reopening Updates, and more
In DC, Mayor Bowser announced it is likely the city will enter Phase 2 on Monday, June 22nd, and she will make the determination this Friday, and release the official Order. Phase 2 will allow for indoor dining at 50% capacity.
The Department of Health has created important guidance documents and the following measures should be implemented to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission amongst employees, patrons, and the community. Outlined below, are parts of the guidance, however the document is four pages, so we encourage you to read it in full as it touches on staff, guests, cleaning, and general protocol. Please also note that some of the Phase 2 guidance is included in the Phase 1 guidance and you are already implementing these protocols. The guidance includes:
- Service is limited to outdoor service and indoor service up to 50% capacity to seated patrons only with tables placed so that patrons are at least 6 feet apart
- Patrons may only be served at a restaurant bar, if patrons are seated at least 6 feet apart and no bartender is working behind the bar. Standing at a bar is still prohibited.
- Tables are still limited to 6 persons, preferably from the same household.
- Reservations are encouraged and customers should provide names and contact information and record time of arrival. Dining records must be saved for at least 30 days.
- Employees should wear cloth face coverings while working and wash hands frequently.
- Patrons should wear face coverings while not eating or drinking.
- Hand sanitizer must be made easily accessible at the entrance of every establishment.
- The use of single use items is strongly encouraged.
- When possible, employees must be spatially staggered to prevent congregating and to maintain 6 ft social distancing guidelines.
- Perform screening (e.g., symptom questionnaires) of employees daily, prior to entering the business, over the phone or in person.
- Enhanced sanitation and disinfectant protocol must be practiced.
- Establish a plan in the event that an employee or patron is diagnosed with COVID-19.
Click here for the full DC guidance, and visit https://coronavirus.dc.gov/
In Maryland, Montgomery County will enter Phase 2 on Friday, June 19th at 5pm. Prince George’s County entered a modified Phase 2 on Monday at 5pm. As a reminder Phase 2 in Maryland, allows for indoor dining at 50% capacity.
Click here for Maryland’s Phase 2 Reopening Order.
Click here for more details on Montgomery County’s Phase 2.
Click here for more details on Prince George’s County modified Phase 2.
In Virginia, Governor Northam said that he will not move the commonwealth into Phase 3 of reopening this week. We will keep you posted as more information becomes available on timing.
In closing, for those who missed out on the EIDL loans you have the opportunity to apply. The SBA is reopening the EIDL process and began accepting new EIDL applications on June 15th. If you have not received an EIDL and believe that one may benefit you (these are generally loans of up to $150,000 - in an amount determined by the SBA - with 30 year repayment terms), we encourage you to click here to apply.
As always, we are here to support you during this time so please email us at coronavirus@ramw.org if you have any questions.
Be safe. Be kind.
Best,
Kathy
