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Restaurant Employee Relief Fund
The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation set up the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund to help restaurant industry employees experiencing hardship in the wake of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.
Learn more here.
Interested in providing support? Contact Allison Rhyne, Vice President of Development.
CARES Act Update
On Friday, March 27, President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the single largest economic relief package in U.S. history at $2.2 trillion. Included: $300 billion in direct payments to individuals earning less than $99,000 annually, up to $3,400 per family of four; $350 billion in loans for small businesses with loan forgiveness provisions; and $250 billion in enhanced unemployment insurance. More than 300,000 individuals joined in the National Restaurant Association's grassroots campaign to ensure the restaurant industry, acknowledged as the most hard-hit by the coronavirus crisis, was heard as the legislation was shaped.
Visit our CARES Act overview page for more information. This page will be updated frequently as more information becomes available on how the CARES act impacts and benefits restaurants.
Restaurants and employees are feeling the catastrophic effect of the COVID-19 pandemic across the country. Since March 1, the industry has lost more than 3 million jobs and $25 billion in sales, and roughly 50% of restaurant operators anticipate having to lay off more people in April.
The passage of the CARES Act was a necessary first step towards helping the industry through this crisis, but we know more must be done. Please visit this page regularly for updated information on the implementation of the CARES Act and for guidance on how to take advantage of the funding available to restaurants. To ensure that restaurants have the latest information about coronavirus, we created this industry-specific guidance for owners and operators. For more information about our ongoing commitment to safe food handling and training and certification opportunities, please visit the ServSafe website.
Updated April 6, 2020
Questions
Can the coronavirus be spread through food, including refrigerated or frozen food?
According to the CDC, “Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets. Currently there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food.”
North Carolina State University has created an informational FAQ concerning off-premises foodservice during the coronavirus. At this time, there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted by food or food packaging. The FAQs are based on information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food & Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
What food safety measures are restaurants taking?
The foodservice industry follows strict local public health guidelines. To meet these guidelines, restaurants have safety protocols and best practices in place, including guidance from ServSafe. Owners and operators should contact their state and local health departments for the latest advisories/information about coronavirus in their community. The Association also has a fact sheet in English and Spanish with information specific to the industry.
What other steps should we take to avoid infection?
The CDC suggests that people take the same steps they would to keep from getting the flu: get a flu vaccine, take everyday preventative actions – like washing your hands often – and see a doctor when you are sick. Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have issued guidance for preparing a workplace for COVID-19 that include tips for preventing the spread of the virus and steps to reduce workers’ risk of exposure. And the CDC recently issued a strategy for implementing mitigation strategies for communities with local transmission.
The Association has developed several resources:
The COVID-19 Resources by State document includes information on what is required in every state, county, or city as it becomes available and as it relates to restaurants and coronavirus measures (such as closing dining rooms, requiring posters, and additional information). Compiled by our ServSafe Accreditation and Compliance team with input from our state restaurant association partners and other sources, this document is updated daily. (Updated 4/6/20)
What is the impact to the supply chain?
It is still unknown if or how the coronavirus will impact the foodservice supply chain. Many organizations and researchers are monitoring developments.
Resources
Business Resources & Guidelines
Business Continuity Planning Basics: 10 Steps to Take Now
COVID-19 Resources by State — ServSafe Accreditation & Compliance team and State Restaurant Associations (Updated 4/2/20)
Paid Sick & Safe Time Laws and COVID-19 — The Restaurant Law Center and law firm partners (Updated 4/2/20)
Official Orders Closing or Restricting Foodservice Establishments in Response to COVID-19 — The Restaurant Law Center and law firm partners (Updated 4/4/20)
Resource Directory - Offerings and resources from the Association and across the industry.
Employee Resources
U.S. Treasury Dept. and SBA Resources
Assistance for Small Businesses The Paycheck Protection Program prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses.
For a top-line overview of the program CLICK HERE If you’re a lender, more information can be found HERE If you’re a borrower, more information can be found HERE The application for borrowers can be found HERE
SBA's Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
Payroll Suport The CARES Act assists eligible businesses looking for payroll support to keep Americans working. For more information, CLICK HERE.
Assistance for American Workers and Families In the weeks immediately after the passage of the CARES Act, Americans will see fast and direct relief in the form of Economic Impact Payments. For more information, CLICK HERE.
Association Joins Hospitality Coalition Asking Governors and Mayors to Prevent Business Tenant Evictions
The National Restaurant Association joined the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, American Hotel & Lodging Association, International Franchise Association, and the U.S. Travel Association on a letter to Governors of the United States and Mayors of the United States urging them to consider taking executive actions preventing commercial landlords from terminating or evicting business tenants for at least 90 days. Additionally, the letter request that rent payments be abated during this time. Click here to download the letter.
Hygiene Resources & Downloads
Coronavirus: What You Can Do Fact Sheet (English & Spanish)
Handwashing 101 Poster (English & Spanish) and Youtube Video
Handwashing Infographic
Before You Come To Work Poster
Cleaning vs. Sanitizing Poster (English & Spanish)
Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Event Poster
Food Safety Focus Blog
Webinars
An Overview of the CARES Act with the Public Affairs Team - Hosted by the National Restaurant Association
Coronavirus: Industry Readiness and Response - Hosted by the National Restaurant Association and ServSafe
Coronavirus Resources: Labor and Employment Law Challenges and Obligations Facing Employers – Hosted by the National Restaurant Association Restaurant Law Center
Curbside for Full-Service Restaurants - Hosted by the Texas Restaurant Association
Preparing for the Coronavirus: Steps for Restaurant Readiness - Hosted by ServSafe
Other Resources
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
What’s New
Latest News
Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations
Implementation of Mitigation Strategies for Communities with Local COVID-19 Transmission
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Summary
Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities
Preparing Communities for Potential Spread of COVID-19
Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 – Feb. 2020
Food and Drug Administration
FDA Information Bulletin – added 3/24/20
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
COVID-19 Control and Prevention
Small Business Administration
Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
SBA to Provide Disaster Assistance Loans for Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Release
World Health Organization
Rolling Updates on Coronavirus Disease
COVID-19 Website
Advice for Public
Workplace Guidance
Johns Hopkins CSSE
Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases Map
Supply Chain Research and Resources
Knowledge @ Wharton - Containing the Coronavirus: What’s the Risk to the Global Economy? – Feb. 25
FDA - Coronavirus (COVID-19) Supply Chain Update (Feb. 27)
HBR - Prepare Your Supply Chain for Coronavirus (Feb. 27)
News Articles
Operators need easy and effective ways to stay in touch with socially-distanced employees.
Association adds ServSuccess courses to its free offerings to support restaurant employees and help them return to the industry with advanced skills.
The agency is offering flexibility in light of the challenges operators currently face.
Your access to coronavirus relief will require documentation, the key to any successful business continuity/financial recovery plan.