5-29-20 Getting Back to Business: Maryland’s Approach

As we are gradually seeing more businesses reopening throughout the state, we have taken time to summarize key guidance provided for hotels and related businesses to date.

While Maryland hotels have always been essential and were never required to shut down, all hotels / businesses are highly encouraged to visit Maryland’s Back to Business webpage for specific industry guidance moving forward.  Safety Best Practices for Accommodations, Restaurants and Bars, Golf, Retail, Swimming Pools and other business segments may be downloaded from this page.

Additionally, Governor Hogan is encouraging Maryland business owners to take the Maryland Strong Back to Business Pledge, and display a signed pledge in your place of business.  The pledge includes a commitment to follow industry best practices.  MHLA has endorsed the national “Safe Stay” initiative, which was developed with input from major brands and industry leaders as well as subject matter experts. 

“Stage One is being implemented with a flexible, community-based approach that empowers individual jurisdictions to make decisions regarding the timing of reopenings, therefore it’s important that businesses consult guidance issued by their local jurisdiction.”  At 5:00 today, May 29, 2020, the state will allow outdoor dining at restaurants to resume and outdoor pools may open according the requirements listed in Executive Order 5-27-20, but like all other easing of statewide restrictions this is ultimately subject to each jurisdiction’s guidelines.

While hotels are not among the businesses subject to the statewide Executive Order requiring employees and/or guests to wear face coverings, (except for in restaurants or retail space within your hotel), the following is stated in the most recent Executive Order 5-27-20:

 “Any business, organization, establishment, or facility in the State of Maryland may require its customers over the age of two, visitors over the age of two, and/or staff to wear Face Coverings (as defined in the FaceCoverings Order). A business, organization, establishment, or facility that elects to do so shall post signage at each entrance advising customers, visitors, and/or staff about such requirements.”
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MHLA remains hard at work on behalf of Maryland’s lodging industry.  We are constantly monitoring the state and local response to COVID-19 and are sharing relevant updates through email and at www.MDLodging.org.  Please let us know if you have questions or any other ways we may be helpful throughout this challenging time.  Together we will get through this!