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Quick Regional Updates
As the region moves further into reopening this week in Northern Virginia, and with Suburban Maryland Counties close behind, we are sharing with you some quick regional updates and resources.
Nearly a month ago in DC, the City Council passed legislation that caps the fee third party delivery companies can charge at 15%. This legislation was signed into law on May 13th, and on that date third party delivery companies should have been in compliance. We have heard from a number of you that some companies have not been adhering to the cap requirement. DCRA is charged with enforcing these rules, and we urge you to contact them directly if you find a company to be in violation. Click here to complete a business complaint form or call DCRA customer service at (202) 442-4400. Violations come with a fine between $250 to $1,000. Councilmember Mary Cheh said she will be looking to further enforce, if needed, if companies are not complying.
Yesterday, DOH Director Nesbitt provided additional information about contact tracing and how it is being implemented. She also reiterated an important reminder that if someone is exposed to a person who has tested positive for COVID-19, the exposed person MUST quarantine for the full 14-days, even if they get tested and it comes back negative. “Exposed” is defined as being within 6 ft of someone for more than 15 minutes. Click here for the latest situational update for the city.
As you are more reliant on disposable food service ware in your restaurant, DDOE wants to remind you that disposable items for food service must be compostable or recyclable. Click here for more information.
In Maryland, Governor Hogan announced that the state will continue to the next phase of Stage Two reopenings. Effective Friday, June 12th at 5pm, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs can resume indoor dining at 50% capacity with social distancing, and following strict public health requirements. Prince George’s Executive Angela Alsobrooks said the county will move into a modified Phase Two on Monday, June 15th. Restaurants in Prince Georges will still be able to maintain outdoor seating as part of the modified phase two reopening. If your restaurant needs to apply for an outdoor seating permit, please apply here. In Montgomery County, Executive Marc Elrich said the County will likely move into phase two sometime next week, but has not shared an official date yet.
Maryland’s Phase Two Foodservice Establishments Guidelines:
- Require all staff to wear Face Coverings, in accordance with the Face Coverings Order (refer to official order below);
- Not allow the number of persons in the Foodservice Establishment to exceed 50% of the Foodservice Establishment’s Maximum Occupancy (defined in the order);
- Not serve food in a buffet format;
- Not serve customers who are not seated;
- Clean and disinfect each table between each seating in accordance with CDC and MDH guidelines, using cleaning products that meet the criteria of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use against COVID-19.
Click here for the official Order. Click here for restaurant and bar best practices.
In Virginia, Northern Virginia will move into Phase Two tomorrow, which allows for indoor dining at 50% capacity, as we shared earlier this week. Click here for the full Phase 2 Reopen Guidelines document. Northam today said the timeline for Phase Two is a minimum of two weeks, and says the trends have been favorable, but we must continue to take each day at a time.
In closing, our friends at Pepco are advancing relief for customers who may be challenged, including businesses, small and large. Pepco has supported the small business community by waiving any new late fees related to accounts that are not paid on time, establishing small business bill deferral plans and suspending customer disconnection through at least July 1st. They have also committed significant financial support to relief organizations. Click here to read more about how Pepco Exelon is working for you.
Be safe. Be kind.
Best,
Kathy
