COVID-19 - Industry Update
18
: June 25, 2020
Greetings to Travel Partners,
As we continue to welcome visitors with COVID-19 cases on the rise statewide, our industry’s vigilance and commitment to safety is not only important,
it is essential
. This week’s update includes details about the state’s revised Executive Order, the new Downtown Alive initiative, and recent research on traveler safety concerns. The Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau shares the latest research, resources and reopening/safety guideance with partners and stakeholders.
Current Update
Governor Cooper Signs New Executive Order 147; Extends Phase 2 Order (through July 17) and Requires Face Cover in Public Settings: On June 24, NC Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order 147 that extends the “Safer At Home Order” through July 17, unless otherwise notified or announced. The new order, which goes into effect June 26 at 5:00 p.m., also requires face coverings when out in public. This rule applies to retail, restaurants, and private businesses. Face masks or face coverings are also required when outdoors where social distancing cannot be maintained. If able to safely maintain at least six feet distance from others, it is not required to wear a mask when spending time outdoors exercising or walking in parks or on beaches. The 6-foot distance rule doesn’t apply to anyone in your immediate family. Details:
Restaurant Face-coverings
: Executive Order 147 requires that restaurants must have
all workers wear face coverings when they are or may be within six feet of another person. In addition, restaurants must have
all customers wear face coverings
when not at their table, unless the customer states that an exception applies. Additional exceptions to the mask requirement apply to children under 11, those with certain medical conditions and people exercising outdoors away from other people. NCRLA is working closely with NCDHHS to get clarification on questions they are receiving from restaurant and lodging businesses regarding face coverings and enforcement. Please visit
www.NCRLA.help frequently for the latest updates and guidance.
Downtown Alive Initiative
: In an effort to help downtown businesses economically recover, the City of Wilmington in collaboration with the Downtown Business Alliance and Wilmington Downtown Inc. is launching the Downtown Alive initiative that allows restaurants to expand outdoor seating to safely serve customers (in accordance with the CDC’s social distancing guidelines) and allow diners to enjoy restaurants responsibly. Beginning June 25 through September 7, four blocks in downtown Wilmington will temporarily close to vehicles during specified hours—each Thursday through Sunday
(Sat. 10am-10pm; Sun. 10am-5pm; Thurs./Fri 6:30pm-10pm. Streets will close 1-hr prior & open 1-hr after.) This program does not allow for social gatherings or loitering. Advance reservation with participating restaurants is encouraged. For details, hours and participating businesses:
https://dbawilmington.org/downtown-alive
.
New Travel Research
:
State of North Carolina Updates
:
New Hanover County / City of Wilmington Updates:
Wilmington and Beaches CVB Update
:
Recently the CVB sent an email encouraging local travel partners to participate in Count On Me NC, a
free COVID-19 training program that includes certificates, logos and other visuals for display online and at participating businesses. To help visitors find travel businesses in our destination that have completed the program, the CVB created
a list and map of partners that have earned their certificates. Want to add your business to the map? It only takes a half-hour or so to complete a
www.CountOnMeNC.org training module. It’s easy, it’s free, and it’s important to visitors. Please let us know when your business completes the Count On Me NC training.
TRAVEL INDUSTRY UPDATES & RESOURCES
NC Restaurant & Lodging Association
Updates:
*
PPP IFR Revisions to Loan Forgiveness
: The Small Business Administration (SBA), along with the Department of Treasury, released additional PPP guidance based on revisions within the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (PPPFA). Recognizing the long road to recovery for the hotel and restaurant industries, this bill makes several significant improvements to the Paycheck Protection Program. NCRLA's "At Your Service" spring issue is now online:
www.ncrla.org/magazines/at-your-service-spring-2020/
For more restaurant and lodging news:
https://ncrla.help
Visit N.C. tourism webinars
are available online, including the recent webinars “Traveling Through the Pandemic” (traveler sentiment and other consumer insights) and “'Conversation About Diversity in the Tourism Industry”
:
http://partners.visitnc.com/COVID-19
.
ADDITIONAL COVID-19 RESOURCES
:
Thank you. We invite your feedback to help the CVB respond to industry needs and concerns.
Be well and stay tuned,
Connie Nelson
PR/Communications Director
Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau
505 Nutt Street, Unit A
Wilmington, NC 28401
(P)(910) 341.4030 x120