CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
What restaurants and foodservice businesses need to know.
MAY 19, 2020

This is an update on the 2019-nCoV Coronavirus issue and related topics.  
This update to our ORA members and the Ohio restaurant, foodservice and hospitality community addresses rapidly evolving news and the following topics:
         
  • Outdoor Dining Reopening Around Ohio
  • Preparing for Indoor Dining to Reopen on May 21
  • ORA Survey: 82% of Restaurants Plan to Reopen on May 21 or Shortly After  
  • Critical Resources for Your Restaurants
  • Important News & Reports for Our Restaurant Industry
  • NRA Survey for Owners/Operators
  • Ohio Restaurant Employee Relief Fund
  • Gov. DeWine News Conference 
Outdoor Dining Reopening Around Ohio
Restaurants began reopening for outdoor dining on May 15 and guests are enjoying visiting their favorite locations around the state. For owners and operators, this is an important step in the process of recovering from the COVID-19 Pandemic and state order to close restaurants more than 8 weeks ago in mid-March (except for carryout, drive-through and delivery).
 
Outdoor and patio seating typically represents a small portion of most restaurant sales on an annual basis, especially as it is limited to warmer months in Ohio. Social distancing requirements will further limit sales opportunities, but owners and operators are doing their best to reopen and welcome back guests.
Jed's BBQ in Perrysburg is following the Ohio Restaurant Promise
Preparing for Indoor Dining to Reopen May 21
Owners, operators and employees are looking forward to reopening inside dining on Thursday, May 21.

YOU SHOULD CONSIDER A CHECKLIST FOR:
 
Have a great plan?    
Send us photos of how you are adjusting your
restaurants, tables, operations, signage, etc.

  • Open congregate areas of bars and restaurants remain closed;
  • All guests must be seated when eating or drinking;
  • Foodservice establishments must take affirmative steps with customers to achieve safe social distancing guidelines; 
  • Social distancing in lines and between tables is required;
  • Most employees will be wearing facial coverings; and
  • Restaurants and bars should have someone assigned on each shift to take responsibility for assuring these requirements are met.

Make Sure You Carefully Review Critical Documents with Employees and Follow Regulations

Also, please read these important documents:

  1. The new Director of Health's Dine Safe Ohio Order Frequently Asked Questions that address many topics including barriers, floor plans, live music and private dining. ODH Dine Safe Ohio Order FAQs – revised 5.19.2020
  2. Franklin County Public Health Department’s FCPH Dine Safe Ohio FAQs Document.

Be sure to look at Wednesday’s Memo for a video recording featuring a local health department discussing FAQs with the ORA’s Laura Morrison, Managing Director of Membership & Employer/Food Safety. 
The  Ohio Restaurant Promise  is an exceptional resource.

  • Learn more about the Promise and make a commitment about how you are following safety requirements, recommendations for best practices and protocols during the COVID-19 crisis.
  • It is a Promise between restaurant operators and the public – our guests.
  • Print out the top page of the document and display it on your doors, windows and inside.
  • Find the Promise here: ohiorestaurant.org/ohio-restaurant-promise
Gov. Mike DeWine mentioned the Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU) during his news conference on Monday. He said the state will be stepping up its investigation and enforcement capabilities by moving some law enforcement and health department workers from around the state into the OIU. The group will conduct compliance checks and citations can result in businesses losing their liquor license or other actions. The OIU is a component of the Ohio State Highway Patrol and agents are fully-sworn, plainclothes peace officers responsible for enforcing Ohio’s alcohol, tobacco and food stamp fraud laws.
  • To learn more about OIU resources and identify areas of mutual concern, please contact the district office in your area.
  • The ORA is planning to meet with the Ohio Department of Public Safety to understand more about OIU’s plans and we will share an update with members and the restaurant community.
ORA Survey: 82% of Restaurants Plan to Reopen on May 21 or Shortly After
The ORA has conducted a weekly Business Impact poll to determine the on-going health of restaurants across the state for the past seven weeks. Here are facts and highlights:
  • This poll was conducted from May 17-19 and references information from the week of May 10-16.
  • Data from the survey shows that many operators have received financial assistance from the federal government, although most operators say they can’t use it if they haven’t opened yet.
  • The survey reveals 70% of operators plan to reopen their dining rooms by May 21 or shortly after.
 
Key Statistical Takeaways:
  • 40% of respondents report temporarily closing restaurants. This is an improvement compared to the trend, which was over 50% and has been coming down as the state allowed outside dining on May 15.
  • 54% of respondents plan to reopen their dining rooms by May 21, 2020 and 28% of respondents plan to reopen their dining rooms shortly after the allowed open date.
  • 18% of respondents plan do not plan to reopen their dining rooms at this time.
 
Sales are Under Pressure:
As restaurants prepare to reopen, sales continue to drastically underperform compared to previous years:
  • 39% of restaurants are seeing their year-over-year sales declining by more than 70%
  • 23% of restaurants are seeing their year-over-year sales declining by 50-70%
  • 17% of restaurants are seeing their year-over-year sales declining by 20-50%
  • 5% of restaurants are seeing their year-over-year sales declining by 5-20%
  • 4% of restaurants are seeing their year-over-year sales flat
  • 14% of restaurants are seeing their year-over-year sales increasing by 1-50%

Pay Check Protection Program:
  • 90% of respondents applied for the PPP
  • 87% of respondents who applied successfully received a loan.

Ohio Restaurant Promise will be adopted by 90% of Respondents:
The Ohio Restaurant Promise is a pledge that restaurants and guests make to keep each other safe during the return to dine-in at restaurants. Most owns and operators that responded will post the Ohio Restaurant Promise in their dining rooms and/or on doors.  

Respondent Feedback: Owners Worked Through Challenges, Guests need Additional Education
  • We only had a couple customer issues (1) Wanted a different table than what was assigned (2) Were upset that we limited the seating time to 1.25-1.5 hrs during dinner service. People are not reading posted rules/guidelines and then want to be sassy.
  • Overall - good response. The re-opening guidelines are pretty easy once you get the routine down.
  • Restaurants are all about cleaning and sanitizing routines - we just do them more frequently.
  • We already use the proper chemicals from Ecolab, Sysco, etc. - so that was easy too. And our staff is used to the heightened sense of distancing b/c they have already been practicing it themselves even before returning to work.
  • Masks is the tough one - guess we don't talk that much when we personally wear them in public. Our softer speaking staff and when we answer the phone is the toughest.
  • Customers seem really happy to be out, to support us, and are comfortable w/ our re-opening procedures.
  • It went very well, each table was fully pretty much the whole time, everyone followed rules for the most part (stayed a little longer than our rules) the most challenging part is on weekends we need an extra person just to do all the extra cleaning to keep seating cleaned.
  • It went well. There was a drizzle off and on most of the day but did not deter customers. Challenges were diminished capacity. People who felt safe to come out were in no hurry to leave so turnover was not great. People were not very patient in wanting to go on a wait. People were respectful with social distancing.
  • Social distancing was a challenge but not impossible. By far the hardest part was the face masks for our servers and bartenders. by the end of shifts some had a rash and most were very hoarse from trying to be heard.
  • It went well. Customers order at our counter and it's usually shoulder to shoulder ordering. Our biggest challenge was getting customers to follow a line and wait for a register to open. This was especially hard with our regulars.
Critical Resources for Your Restaurants
Representatives LaRe and Swearingen to Announce Business Expansion and Safety Act
COLUMBUS – State Representatives Jeff LaRe (R-Violet Township) and D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron) will unveil a bill tomorrow that allows greater flexibility to generate revenue and increases opportunity to comply with safety precautions for bars, restaurants, breweries and wineries.

The Business Expansion and Safety Act would implement the following: Allows for restaurants and bars to utilize more outside space on private or public property while serving customers. Allows for third party delivery for carryout alcohol for those over the age of 21.
  • WHAT: Press Conference to Unveil Business Expansion and Safety Act
  •  WHEN: 11:30 AM  Wednesday, May 20, 2020
  • WHERE: Ohio Statehouse, The Crypt, Room 103, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH
 
The press conference will be live streamed on the Ohio Channel for those who cannot attend. Safety guidelines and social distancing are recommended for those who will be present.
Hand Sanitizer will be available for Restaurants and Foodservice Locations through the ORA’s partnership with
Ohio Liquor Control Department & Jobs Ohio

On Thursday, May 28, a one-time only donation will take place in the Central Ohio area. ORA thanks OHLQ/JobsOhio for your continued support of the restaurant and foodservice industry. See below.
PPE Resources Highlighted by the ORA
Congress Miles from Deal on Next Stimulus Bill
After the House of Representatives passed the 3 trillion dollar HEROES Act Friday evening—which includes eliminating the 75-25 payroll rule and extends the coverage period to December 31—the Senate has no current plans to debate the legislation or draft an alternative bill. The White House and Senate Republican leadership both agree immediate action is not necessary.

Mnuchin says he is Working on Extending PPP Loan Period 
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the Administration is working on expanding the loan period for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to give small businesses more time to spend funds. Restaurant industry leaders asked Mnuchin and President Trump in a meeting at the White House on Monday to expand the loan period, which is currently eight weeks, to 24 weeks. Mnuchin said he's working on a “technical fix” but didn't commit to 24 weeks. 

Treasury Provides Additional Guidance Regarding
the Paycheck Protection Program
The U.S. Treasury Department provided additional information regarding the Paycheck Protection Program: 
NRA Leaders met with President and Administration in D.C.
National Restaurant Association Interim President & CEO Marvin Irby and Association Board Chair Melvin Rodrigue were among the restaurant leaders who met Monday with President Trump to discuss how the industry has been impacted by job losses and closures related to COVID-19, and to hear from the President about his plans for industry recovery in the days ahead. Irby shared that the industry has lost more than 8 million jobs and over $240 billion in industry revenue as a result of COVID-related closures.

“While the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been a great program for many businesses, including some restaurants, the industry’s unique business model has presented qualification and implementation challenges for many restaurants, and as a result they have not used the program, ” Irby said. “Because restaurants were the first industry to close as a result of COVID mandates, and will likely be one of the last to fully reopen and return to traditional full-service, on-premises operations in the months ahead, it is vital that we all work together to help restaurants and employees get relief and rebuild.”


Please take the NRA Survey
As the National Restaurant Association and state restaurant associations (including the ORA) continue to advocate on behalf of the industry, please help us quantify and further illustrate the economic impact that the coronavirus is having on the restaurant industry. The NRA Research Group developed its latest brief survey designed to collect important data to inform our ongoing advocacy activities. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and help us advocate for the strongest possible relief package.
Click here  to take the latest survey.
Welcoming Back Staff and Customers: Tips for Doing it Right 
Foodservice Webinar: Tuesday, May 19, 2020 - 2 PM EST

Once you’re finally able to reopen your dining rooms, owners and operators will have a totally different operation post-pandemic. How do you incorporate takeout and delivery with your dining-in? How do you make money at 25 percent capacity? Experts will guide you on cost-effective measures and best practices to welcome back staff and customers and reestablish a safe and entertaining dining experience.

Important News & Reports for Our Restaurant Industry
Coronavirus: How to help - Dayton Daily News







Beginning May 22, restaurants and bars may  resume  dine-in operations in some parts of Michigan. More specifically, establishments in the northern part of the state—including the Upper Peninsula—can reopen at 50 percent occupancy, with social distancing protocols and mask requirements for staff. Note that specific counties and municipalities can reopen on an alternative timeline depending on local conditions. View a full list of states  reopening here .
Ohio Restaurant Employee Relief Fund 
“It’s important to know how organic this industry is for this country, and for every country. This is how we express our culture.”  Karoll Castillo of Prime Cincinnati wants you to DONATE to #OhioRestaurantsRelief Fund to support the amazing and hardworking employees of our industry that need your help right now.
DONATE now to   OHIORESTAUANTSRELIEF.ORG
Gov. DeWine News Conference
Below are the updates from today’s news conference with Gov. DeWine and Lt. Gov. Husted.  There will be no news conference tomorrow. The next press conference is currently scheduled for Thursday (5/21). 
 
Here’s the news from today:
 
Ohio’s COVID-19 case data is below:
  • 27,106 confirmed cases
  • 1,846 probable cases 
  • 28,952 total cases
  • 5,117 hospitalizations
  • 1,556 confirmed deaths
  • 164 probable deaths
  • 1,720 total deaths
  • 1,357 ICU admissions
  • More data is available on the COVID-19 Dashboard HERE.
 
Gov. DeWine released details of the new "Ohioans Protecting Ohioans Urgent Health Advisory" which replaces the Stay Safe Ohio order that was issued by the Ohio Department of Health on April 30, 2020. The health order replaces language requiring Ohioans to stay at home with limited exceptions with language that strongly recommends that citizens, especially those who are high-risk, stay at home as much as possible. The order does not change the mass gathering restrictions, which remain at a 10-person limit. The new health advisory also lifts overall travel restrictions and the requirement to quarantine if someone travels to or returns to Ohio. Unnecessary travel within or outside of Ohio is not encouraged.
 
Additionally, those who have tested positive for COVID-19 and have not recovered, those who are presumptively diagnosed with COVID-19, and those who are exhibiting the symptoms identified in the screening guidance available from the CDC and the Ohio Department of Health, remain prohibited from entering the state of Ohio unless they are doing so under medical orders for purposes of medical care, are being transported by emergency medical services EMS, are driving or being driven directly to a medical provider for the purposes of initial care, or are a permanent resident of Ohio.
 
Gov. DeWine also announced that the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation (BWC) will begin distributing at least 2 million non-medical-grade face coverings to Ohio employers who are covered by BWC. Public and private employers that participate in the State Insurance Fund will receive a package from BWC containing at least 50 face coverings. These packages will be shipped in batches beginning tomorrow. The masks are funded through BWC’s existing budget and will not impact any premiums.
 
Ohioans can apply for unemployment benefits online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at  unemployment.ohio.gov . It is also possible to file by phone at 877-644-6562 or TTY at 888- 642-8203, Monday through Friday 7AM to 7PM, Saturday 9AM to 5PM, and Sunday 9AM to 1PM. Employers with questions should email  [email protected] .
 
As always,  Coronavirus.Ohio.Gov  and the Department of Health hotline, 1-833-4-ASK-ODH are great resources for those who have questions.
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Follow us and share updates with your fellow restaurateurs. 
We’re all in this together.  
For additional questions, please contact the following ORA staff:

For questions, related to the members and restaurant community:
 
JOHN BARKER
President & CEO
 
LAURA MORRISON
Managing Director of Membership & Employer/Food Safety
614.246.0205

TOD BOWEN
Managing Director of External Affairs & Government Relations
614.296.2310

FOR ALL MEDIA REQUESTS:

HOMA MOHEIMANI
Manager of Media & Communications
614.315.0572