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Quick Updates 5/14

May 14, 2020

Dear Operator, 

As we await major changes to PPP with Congress considering the HEROES Act and a potential vote on it tomorrow as Speaker Pelosi brings the bill to the floor, there is a quick PPP update that is relevant for businesses that were approved for PPP. The Treasury Department extended the deadline for decisions to return PPP funds through Monday 5/18, from the previous deadline which was today, 5/14.  For anyone who has received a PPP loan and is still deciding if PPP is right for you, you now have several more days to review your situation and make a choice. Click here for full the FAQ from Treasury--this was addressed in question #47.

In Maryland, Montgomery County and Prince George’s County announced today that they will not be entering Stage One of reopening on Friday, and will extend current Stay at Home Orders, which means restaurants can only offer take out and delivery.  Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks announced she will extend the Stay at Home Order until June 1st, and Montgomery County Executive, Marc Elrich announced they will not enter Stage One until critical markers are met, and did not provide a specific date at this time. 

In DC, If you have had to lay off employees, the DC Health Benefits Exchange (DCHBX) would like to help make sure you and your former employees are not uninsured. DC residents who lost or are losing job-based health insurance or are uninsured can enroll in private health insurance or potentially qualify for reduced premium or apply for Medicaid (free health coverage) at www.dchealthlink.com.  DCHBX would like to contact your former employees who are District residents to help them get enrolled in private health insurance or Medicaid. Contact Angela Franco angela.franco@dc.gov or Brian Schwartz brian.schwartz@dc.gov for more information.

Also, as you begin thinking about reopening, rehiring will certainly be a large part of these considerations. For whatever reason, if you need to hire new people to join your team we encourage you to utilize the RAMW Job Board. This tool is free to use, and we share job opportunities through social media platforms and through the networks that have been created around worker relief during this time.  All are invited to post to the job board during this temporary reopening time and can send job postings to coronavirus@ramw.org.  For RAMW members, click here to login and post jobs now, and see the easy-to-follow instructions here

Finally, OpenTable is actively supporting restaurant operators with relief and recovery. Today, OpenTable released a new pricing model, Open Door pricing, for the remainder of 2020 to provide relief to those using the platform as you prepare to reopen your doors and welcome back guests. The changes include: 

  • No subscription fees through end of 2020
  • No cover fees through 9/30/20
  • Up to 50% discount on cover fees in 2020 
  • Standard subscription & cover pricing resume only in January 2021

Click here to read more about OpenTable’s resources and price breaks, for existing and new customers alike. You can learn more in their blog post here

Be Safe. Be Kind. 

Best, 

Kathy