COVID-19 INDUSTRY UPDATE
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020 (CARES) has been passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump.
U.S. Travel has created detailed documents that outline important provisions of the CARES Act for the travel industry to understand. You can view the details of the bill and your eligibility for aid here, or use the USTA guide to navigate how the CARES Act applies to your organization. U.S. Travel has also pulled together an overview for small business owners, and they will be updating their website with additional CARES Act information at ustravel.org/ReliefResources.
This afternoon at 3pm U.S Travel will host a webinar for the travel industry to learn more about the CARES Act and what it means for businesses operating in that space. If you are not able to register rest assured that we will be sending out the slides to our entire membership.
Our friends at City Hall have asked us to share some information regarding employment opportunities. The Homeless Services Bureau – a division of the Boston Public Health Commission – is hiring 25 “fill-in” counselors to help combat homelessness in Boston. This is a great cause with built-in flexibility, including varied hours, locations and schedules. To apply visit www.bphc.org/careers.
Submit your resume and application using Requisition 1184.
City Hall has also told us that the Office of Economic Development is working to create an online repository of job opportunities for those seeking employment. There should be a live link soon and once we have more information we will share it.
Much like we’ve done with our #VirtuallyBoston initiative, our partners at MOTT set up a “Virtual MA” page for visitors who want to enjoy virtual tours, interactive sites and beautiful images of Massachusetts from afar. While international visitation has essentially ceased, MOTT remains in close contact with their international representatives, who are providing daily updates on national policies, airline statements and conferences and events pertaining to travel & tourism.
The MBTA continues to adjust service based on the needs of essential employees, as well as the safety of their employees and riders. For the most part, this has meant Saturday schedules throughout the week on the T lines and bus lines, with the Commuter Rail offering reduced service. The MBTA recently notified us that a number of service disruptions and diversions that were due to begin this week have now been postponed to at least April 9. Please follow the MBTA COVID-19 page for frequent updates.
This Wednesday would have been the evening for our April Open House. Despite the prevailing conditions which render that gathering impossible, we were determined to have some kind of gathering, so we have instead planned a “virtual” Open House. Our Membership Director Kamilla Carmignani sent out details last Friday, but in case you missed that email we will be hosting this as a Zoom meeting between 4:30pm-6pm on Wednesday night. Please register if you plan to join us. We hope to see you there!
This whole situation remains very difficult for us all, particularly the indeterminate nature of when the proverbial “light at the end of the tunnel” will begin to appear. We fully support all of the tough choices that our elected leaders have had to make here in the Commonwealth. We know that Governor Baker’s decision to discourage travel to Massachusetts was necessary, though based on the calls we’ve received it has created the angst you would expect.
We remain committed, more than ever, to assisting our members to navigate through these tough times, to help them understand every development and every piece of pertinent news that may impact their health, the health of their employees, and the health of their business. We are here for you.
Martha
Martha J. Sheridan
President and CEO
Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau
Two Copley Place, Suite 105
Boston, MA 02116
msheridan@BostonUSA.com
Direct Line: (617) 867-8278
BostonUSA.com
