COVID-19: Latest Updates

Memo to NHLRA members and NH’s restaurant, foodservice, and hospitality community:
President and CEO Mike Somers met with Governor Sununu today to advocate for industry needs for both businesses and employees. There are a number of other items in the works and updates will be sent out as soon as we receive the details. 
We have received a number of questions from hotels that offer foodservice seeking clarification about how they feed their guests. We have reached out to the Governor's office for clarification and we will share that information as soon as we have it.
Below are the latest updates from this afternoon.


TAKE-OUT AND DELIVERY GUIDELINES
Establishments should adhere to the take-out and delivery best practices we've compiled in this guide. 


SBA DISASTER RELIEF 
Earlier today Governor Sununu officially submitted a request that the Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration provide SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans to small businesses across NH. We urge our members to apply for assistance on the SBA website here.  


GUIDE TO UNEMPLOYMENT FOR HOSPITALITY EMPLOYEES
Individuals who are unable to work or who have reduced hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic now have immediate access to unemployment benefits.

• Individuals will need to file for each week of unemployment.
• The waiting period for receiving benefits is also temporarily suspended.

You can do this online from your home internet connection or your phone. The website to access is http://nhes.nh.gov and the phone number to call is 603-271-7700.


DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Per our discussions with the Department of Labor, it is our understanding there will be no audits or inspections for the time being. 

Exceptions to this will be if there is a complaint filed for non-payment of wages for hours worked or for not having Workers' Compensation Insurance coverage for employees working.

The Department will also be deferring any current penalties until June 1st. 


HOW WE'RE PROMOTING YOUR TAKE-OUT AND DELIVERY
Over on our NH Flavors Instagram, we're asking people to tag us in their take-out photos so that we can repost all of the great options customers have for dining at home. 
We're also pushing the National Restaurant Association's #carryoutwednesday campaign on our social media. ​
Do you have a story to share about food donations? We know that members have stepped up in a big way to support their communities with food donations to local pantries and schools during this critical time. Please send any of your stories to Pam Baker at pbaker@nhlra.com. We will be highlighting these efforts during the next few weeks.
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HOSPITALITY INSURANCE GROUP'S COVID-19 RESPONSE
Our partners at Hospitality Insurance Group are adjusting their business practices to reduce the financial impact of recent restrictions. The changes include: 

• Billing invoice extensions - All premium invoices due dates are extended by 30 days. 
• Non-Pay Cancellations - Effective March 16, 2020, they will not generate any cancellation notices due to non-payment of premium until April 15. 

Please visit their site at www.hmic.com or call (877)-366-1140 for more information. 


Our COVID-19 Guidance and Resource page is also now up-to-date with the newest information. Please check that site for the latest developments.