COVID-19 Updates compiled for Maryland’s Lodging Industry – 3-20-20

MHLA Members & Friends:

A lot of information has come out regarding COVID-19 this week.  While some Maryland hotels have closed indefinitely, others are doing the best they can to operate while protecting the health of staff and guests and adhering to all emergency orders given by Governor Hogan.  This is an unprecedented, global crisis with a worse financial impact than 9/11 and the 2009 recession combined, but we are encouraged to learn of early signs of recovery in China.

Please remember the Maryland Hotel Lodging Association is here as a resource and we will continue to advocate for our industry throughout this crisis.  In partnership with the American Hotel & Lodging Association we are advocating for federal relief and we are in close communication with our local Maryland agencies and elected officials.  Important information and resources are compiled for you below, including our request for each Maryland county to immediately defer payment of hotel and property tax payments.  Please click each link below for more information.

I am thankful for the members who have offered assistance to our association during this time.  As always, we are stronger when we work together.

Our industry stands by ready to assist however possible, and I am proud of the ways we are helping local communities through donations to food banks and more. 

Visit https://governor.maryland.gov/marylandunites/ for more information about needs across the state.

Contact me anytime if I may be of assistance.
Amy Rohrer
President & CEO
Maryland Hotel Lodging Association


MEMA HOUSING PROVIDERS

• If you would like to be in the COVID-19 housing consideration set, you should register here – https://ela.corplodging.com/.  The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) will likely look to registered establishments first.

EXECUTIVE ORDERS IMPACTING HOTELS

• Governor Hogan has ordered the closure of all entertainment venues and enclosed shopping malls as of 5 p.m. March 19. This is in addition to the closure of bars, restaurants, movie theaters, and fitness centers that was previously announced. Businesses which provide drive-through, carry-out, and food delivery services may continue to do so. Read about specific closures in the executive order.
• Businesses that serve alcohol are now permitted to provide carry-out and delivery of alcoholic beverages. Read the executive order.
• Social, community, religious, recreation, and sporting events and gatherings of more than 10 people are now strictly prohibited in all locations and venues in Maryland. This follows updated CDC guidelines. Read more about the restrictions in the executive order.
• These unprecedented measures may feel extreme or frightening, but they are necessary to slow the spread of the virus and save the lives of Marylanders.
• Find a full list of Governor Hogan’s executive orders here, and find guidance on business closures here.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE & TAXES

• SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Maryland Small Businesses Economically Impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19)  Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected](link sends e-mail) for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX  76155.

• Franchot Announces Extension of Business Tax Filing Deadlines   “The June 1st extension applies to certain business returns with due dates during the months of March, April and May 2020 for businesses filing sales and use tax, withholding tax, and admissions & amusement tax, as well as alcohol, tobacco and motor fuel excise taxes, tire recycling fee and bay restoration fee returns.”
  
• Maryland Income Tax Deadline Extended to July 15, 2020
  
• The Maryland Hotel Lodging Association requests immediate deferment of hotel and property tax payments.
  
  

EMPLOYER & WORKER ASSISTANCE

• Congress has passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (CRA). Among other things, there are four employment-related provisions: (1) a new paid sick leave mandate for COVID-19 related reasons; (2) an expansion of the Family and Medical Leave Act to include closures of schools and child care facilities COVID-19 reasons, including additional paid leave; (3) an expansion of unemployment benefits to cover COVID-19 related reasons; and (4) a payroll tax credit to fund the two paid leave mandates. Please see this Shawe Rosenthal document for a summary of the new Families First Coronavirus Response Act’s paid leave mandates as well as practical advice on dealing with many coronavirus-related workplace issues.
  
  
• If a business experiences a temporary or permanent layoff, Labor’s Division of Unemployment Insurance’s Bulk Claim Services can open unemployment insurance claims for all affected employees. Businesses should contact a Claims Representative by emailing [email protected]. For more information, visit the Department of Labor’s COVID-19 FAQ page.
  
  

MORE INFORMATION

• We encourage you to regularly visit the following site for COVID-19 resources intended to assist Maryland’s business community: https://businessexpress.maryland.gov/coronavirus
  
  
• The American Hotel & Lodging Association has a number of COVID-19 resources for the Lodging Industry on their site, featuring relevant information from government and public health agencies, industry experts and more.