Washington DC
Restaurant Recovery Fund Update - no DUNS or SAM number needed
The U.S. Small Business Administration confirmed this afternoon that applicants for the Restaurant Revitalization Grant program will not need to register for a DUNS number or on SAM.gov.
This is a change from early March, when it was expected that applications would require this process as they currently do under the Shuttered Venues Operators (SVO) grant program. The shift by SBA recognized the significant demand for the restaurant recovery program.
Both the National Restaurant Association and state restaurant associations have been advocating to the SBA to streamline & simplify the application process to avoid administrative complexity. Today's announcement demonstrates the SBA is creating a user-friendly, efficient application process.
New Industry Impact Survey
Please complete this new restaurant impact survey. MRA is partnering with the National Restaurant Association to gather critical data that will be very valuable to our ongoing advocacy and communications efforts as we recover from this crisis. These surveys and the subsequent results have been very instrumental in getting our messages across at the State House, in Washington DC and with the media.
Complete the survey here: https://www.research.net/r/NRACovidSurveyApril2021
Massachusetts
FAQ
Q). Are self-service beverage stations permitted?
Yes, Self-serve beverage stations must comply with the following guidelines:
- Hand sanitizer must be made available next to beverage stations and operators must instruct customers to use before pouring beverages
- Only straws and stirrers individually wrapped in cellophane or paper are allowed
- Cups and lids must be from single pull dispenser or other method to minimize contact
- Sweeteners, sugars and creamers must be individual packets
- Floor markers must be installed to achieve social distancing
- Use of personal mugs and cups are not allowed
- Frequent disinfecting of the beverage station must take place, even during busy times
Vaccine Guidance
Guidance for people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19
What it means to be fully vaccinated?
- People are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 if they have received two doses of either the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines or a single dose of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine more than 14 days ago.
-
This guidance does not apply to fully vaccinated individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19.
Mask Wearing
Continue wearing a mask and avoiding close contact with others in public.
COVID-19 vaccination will help keep you from getting sick from COVID-19 but experts continue to conduct more studies about whether the vaccines also keep people from spreading COVID-19. Wearing masks and social distancing help lower your chance of spreading the virus to others.
Isolation, quarantine and testing
1. You do not need to follow the Massachusetts Travel Advisory.
The advisory for all visitors entering Massachusetts, including returning residents, to quarantine for 10 days upon their arrival does not apply to people who are fully vaccinated.
2. Stay home and get tested if you feel sick.
While vaccines are highly effective there is still a chance you can get COVID-19 even after you get the vaccine. If you develop respiratory symptoms like runny nose, cough, or loss of sense of smell or taste, these are not side effects of the vaccine and you should consider getting tested for COVID-19 or talk to your healthcare provider. Stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with others. You may wish to check with your employer about how this will impact your work.
3. Isolate if you test positive for COVID-19.
If you test positive for COVID-19 you need to isolate. The COVID-19 vaccines will not make you test positive on viral tests.
4. Monitor for symptoms if you are a close contact to someone with COVID-19.
If you do not live or work in a congregate setting (e.g., correctional and detention facilities, assisted living residences, nursing and group homes), you are not required to quarantine following an exposure. However, you should still monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days following an exposure. If you experience symptoms, isolate yourself from others and contact your healthcare provider or seek testing.