May 29, 2020
COVID-19 INDUSTRY UPDATE
Good Afternoon,
As a follow up to this morning’s communication, we wanted to briefly recap some key takeaways from Governor Baker’s press conference this afternoon. The Governor addressed the upcoming transition to Phase 2 and what this means for restaurants and lodging businesses.
Restaurants could reopen for in-person service as early as June 8, though this will depend on public health data that officials will analyze between June 1 and June 6. Initially, restaurants will only be permitted to serve in outdoor areas, restrict dining party sizes to 6 people max, and also mandate 6 feet between tables. Indoor service will be introduced at a later date within Phase 2.
During the press conference the Governor and Lieutenant Governor addressed restaurants reopening in more detail than they did hotels. Some hotel guidelines were mentioned – mandatory PPE equipment, the elimination of valet parking, and the directive that hotel staff must inform guests of the 14-day quarantine advisory in the Commonwealth – but more details will need to emerge next week. Our hotel members have questions about how and why their staff are supposed to tell guests about the two week quarantine; many are trying to understand the practicality of that directive and how it is to be implemented, let alone enforced.
We will know more next week as the data is studied and as the June 8 date approaches. For now, we encourage our members to review the updates to the Reopening Massachusetts page, particularly the new sector-specific guidelines and checklists for restaurants and hotels.
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
