Earlier this month a directive was issued by the Maryland Health Department indicating “convention events may resume operations at 50% of the facility’s Maximum Occupancy as defined in Executive Order No. 20-06-10-01 as of 5:00 P.M. on June 19, 2020”.  An Amended Directive and Order Regarding Community, Recreational, Leisure, Cultural and Sporting Gatherings and Events has since been posted on the Maryland Back to Business website that states “Convention events are prohibited until further notice.” 
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We are seeking clarification from the state regarding the definition of “convention events” as well as how hotels should proceed with hosting groups in meeting rooms, banquets, conference centers, etc.  As always, the lifting of state restrictions remains subject to approval by each local jurisdiction.

Visit https://mdlodging.org/covid-19-resources/ for additional information from the State of Maryland as well as MHLA Allied Members and Partners.

6-24-20 Source: Fisher Phillips
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President Trump just issued a Proclamation to further restrict legal immigration, preventing employers from bringing new H-1B, H-2B, L-1A, L-1B, and J-1 workers from abroad into the United States. Effective June 24, 2020 (12:01am EST), this Proclamation will bar new temporary visas for foreign workers and their dependents through 2020 and potentially longer. The Proclamation also immediately extends the prior suspension of immigrant visas for those applying from abroad for the remainder of 2020. What do employers need to know about this development? READ MORE >

MHLA Members & Friends:
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Another document has been added to Maryland’s Back to Business webpage. Click the following link to view FAQs regarding Social Gatherings, including those held at licensed food service establishments.

As a reminder, the information is posted on MHLA’s COVID-19 Resources page, which is continuously updated as more information is received. Please reach out with additional questions.

MHLA Members and Friends,

Today’s press conference came with positive news for our industry! Please visit the MHLA COVID-19 Resources page, which has been updated with guidance for reopening indoor restaurants, indoor pools, fitness centers AND conference centers. Many Allied Members have provided valuable resources that are also listed on this page: https://mdlodging.org/covid-19-resources/

As always, please contact us with any questions.  We will continue to update our website with answers to FAQs and updates as we receive them.

We are pleased to share this update from Chip Rogers, President & CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association.  MHLA would like to thank our national partner for their leadership on this issue.
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President Donald Trump signed H.R. 7010, Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020 into law today.  

Upon signing President Trump noted that hotels sorely needed these enhanced measures: “I am going to sign legislation to make important changes to the PPP that will especially help restaurants, hotels, and other businesses that have them very hard hit by the virus.”

This critical legislation overwhelmingly passed the House and Senate.  AHLA has worked tirelessly to significantly improve the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). These changes were a direct result of AHLA’s leadership and your grassroots engagement. 

Almost the entire list of priorities advanced by AHLA were adopted in the bill that passed, including:

• Changing the forgiveness period for PPP loans from 8 weeks to 24 weeks
• Extending the covered period for loans to December 31, 2020
• Changing the restrictions limiting non-payroll expenses from 25% to 40%
• Changing the loan maturity limit from 2 years to 5 years, and
• Ensuring full access to payroll tax deferment

We are grateful for your continued support and engagement!

Sincerely,
Chip Rogers