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No Dial Back for our Region, and Other Updates

July 30, 2020

We know you all treaded lightly this week and assessed service options waiting for any updates on operational allowances, and we are relieved that officials across the region were all on the same page in terms of not dialing back in this region at this time. As of now, DC and MD have not dialed back at all and VA only saw a dial back for the specific region of Hampton Roads, as we shared earlier in the week. This is positive news as leaders are watching cases very closely, and do not feel that current status, though continuously focused on health and safety, warrants any changes at this time. It is also good news on timing as we officially announced the dates today for our Summer Restaurant Week program, which will be held August 17-30 across the region. This long-running promotion has been completely retooled to include a new focus on takeout packages, curbside pickup, cocktails to go, and on-premise dining.  Restaurants can dial up or dial back as needed to accommodate their operations and comfort level. 

More at RWDMV.com, or email rw@ramw.org for questions or to sign up as a participant.  

For updates around the region, in Maryland, the Health Department has issued a travel advisory stating Marylanders should avoid travel to states with positivity rates of 10% or higher. Currently, that list includes Florida, Texas, Georgia, Louisiana, Arizona, Alabama, South Carolina, Nebraska and Idaho. This public health advisory applies to personal, family, or business travel. Anyone traveling to or from these states should get tested and self-quarantine for 14-days. 

Governor Hogan is also expanding the face coverings order. Effective this Friday, July 31 at 5pm, face coverings will be required in public spaces of all businesses across the state and in outdoor public areas where distancing is not possible. The Order previously only required people to wear masks in retail stores and restaurants, as well as when using public transportation. Click here for the Order.

In DC, Mayor Bowser said there is no imminent plan to roll back dining activities or allowances. As always, this is subject to change if we see an increase of cases in the city. It is critical that you continue to enforce the latest mask order to ensure community spread does not increase. As a reminder, guests of your restaurants are ONLY permitted to remove the mask when they are eating or drinking, which means guests and employees MUST wear a mask at all other times whether indoors or outdoors. Businesses are now required to post signage on their exterior doors stating that a person may not enter unless the person is wearing a mask. In Wednesday’s press conference, the Mayor stated businesses can call 911 to make a complaint, if a customer refuses to wear a mask. The Mayor also shared today that DC Public Schools will have all virtual learning for the first term, which ends on November 6th. 

Finally, new RAMW member, Whole Armor Security Services, can assist you with enforcing social distancing and face mask requirements, which we know can be challenging at times. They specialize in restaurant, bar and venue security, and are offering a promotional discount to all RAMW members.  You can contact them directly at 202.570.5360 or visit their website. Additional resources for PPE and other products, vendors, and services are available here

As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to us at coronavirus@ramw.org

Be safe. Be kind. Wear a mask. 

Best,

Kathy