CoronaVirus - Resources for Businesses

Yes, however, efforts should be made to minimize their contact with other people. Staff should be made aware that the guests are in quarantine. If possible, drop off fresh linens and materials instead of going into the room.

Not on the state level. However, Block Island has placed a "Shelter in Place" order. We expect other municipalities to follow. We have sent a request to all municipalities asking that they classify restaurants and hotels as "essential" in such a circumstance.

Both Massachusetts and Connecticut have issued "Stay in Place" advisories. They have both exempted restaurants and hotels. If you have an employee that lives in either state, they do not need a form to drive to work. However, if you would like to give them one, you can download a sample here.

In an effort to support communities across the country during this unprecedented public health crisis, AHLA today announced a new initiative – Hotels for Hope – to connect hotel properties with the health community, struggling to find housing and support as the COVID-19 public health crisis grows.

The deadline to pay your sales tax to the state is Friday. The Governor has announced that she will not extend sales tax deadline.

RIHA is working closely with the Governor's office to develop an expediated appeal process for those businesses that need more time.

RIHA has been personally contacting the decision makers in Rhode Island's 39 cities and towns, requesting that they follow the lead of Warwick, Cranston and Newport in extending municipal tax deadlines for residents and businesses. Here is a current list, city by city, of Municipal Tax Relief deadlines.

Unfortunately no. Any payments from an employer must be reported to DLT.

In response to the potential growth of COVID-19 (coronavirus), a special enrollment period (SEP) is now available through April 19th. Please use “COVID-19” as your reason for an SEP when you are filling out the online application. Please call 1-855-840-4774 for help.

No. Paid sick leave does not need to be paid out upon separation of employment. Paid time off and/or vacation pay does need to be paid out if the employee has been there for more than a year.

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.”

The best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home when sick. Employers should encourage employees to stay home if they are showing symptoms of COVID-19.

In 2018, Rhode Island passed the Paid Sick and Safe Leave Act, entitling most employees to forty hours of Paid Sick leave. Please review your Paid Sick leave policy with your employees.

Answer right now is: Notify Food Protection at the RI Department of Health – 401 222-2749

The CDC and local health departments are meeting on Monday to develop additional protocols.

Make sure that you review your cancellation policies and contracts. If you need to make changes, make sure to communicate these changes to your staff and guests.

Staff should be instructed on how to handle people calling with questions.

The RI Department of Business Regulation is accepting applications for businesses to be classified as a "critical business."

RIHA has submitted a letter to the Governor on behalf of restaurants and hotels. We ask that restaurants and hotels do not fill out this form as to not overwhelm DBR.

As of March 23, 2030 at 5:00 p.m., recreational and entertainment areas, including pools, gyms and spas, must be shut down.

Hotels should take steps to ensure that their public spaces maintain enough space to allow individuals to have at least six feet of space around them. Hotels should also ensure that the proper number of guests are in a hotel room and ensure that guests are not gathering in groups of ten or more.