Coronavirus Resources

Coronavirus Information and Resources

Last update: May 17, 4:48 p.m.

Latest Updates:
May 17

The new federal guidelines on mask-wearing are putting businesses and local officials in a difficult spot, reports The Hill. AHLA today released a statement on the updated CDC mask guidance while Nation's Restaurant News explores the dilemma faced by restaurant operators.
Relaxed restrictions for gatherings and events took effect this morning across Pennsylvania (except in Philadelphia), and all COVID-19 mitigation will lift on May 31. Last week, PRLA sent a letter to the Wolf Administration urging them to lift the restrictions before Memorial Day.
Philadelphia employers included in the Philadelphia Fair Workweek law will be required to start offering predictability pay starting on June 1, 2021. The pay for tipped workers has been updated to reflect their current rate of pay.
A new survey from OpenTable and the James Beard Foundation found that consumers are prepared to return to restaurants, but they still want robust takeout and delivery options.
The National Restaurant Association Show last week announced the 2021 Food & Beverage Awards (FABI) that reflect some of the current trends driving the industry, including plant-based eating, zero-alcohol beverages, and global flavors.
Research done by S2G Ventures last year highlighted some of the ways the pandemic exacerbated already weak links in the food supply chain. One thing the research revealed was the advantage tech-forward players had against those that were forced to play catch-up when the pandemic hit. SmartBrief takes a look at what changes brought on by the pandemic are here to stay.
PRLA members can post open positions for free on the PRLA Job Board. And, for a limited time, non-members can receive a complimentary 30-day posting by using the code COVID-19. Forward this info to your hiring manager today!
The National Restaurant Association launched a petition calling on all federal lawmakers to add funding to the Restaurant Relief Fund. SIGN TODAY!
Tomorrow is Primary Election Day! Regardless of your party affiliation, you can vote on the ballot questions. PRLA wants you to understand what your vote means and created this infographic to summarize the measures. Please visit Ballotpedia.org for an in-depth look at each ballot measure.

May 14

With the CDC’s announcement yesterday updating mask-wearing guidelines for fully vaccinated people, staff and customers who are fully vaccinated no longer need to wear masks. However, this update does not prevent any individual business from requiring employees or guests, even those who are fully vaccinated, to wear a mask. Additionally, it is not the business's responsibility to enforce the guidelines. Individual businesses must make the best decision for their operation.
The Pa. Department of Health today also reiterated that it is up to individual businesses whether or not to require masks at their business.
PRLA has prepared a simple sign reflecting these new guidelines that businesses can post on their door to replace the sign from the original mask mandate.
Nation's Restaurant News today reported that industry groups were still assessing the impact of the guidance changes. The AP is reporting that states and businesses are in the process of sorting out what the new CDC mask guidance means.
PRLA today sent a letter to the Pennsylvania Legislature outlining a suggested list of uses it should consider when appropriating the American Rescue Plan funds allocated to the commonwealth.
Philadelphia Councilwoman Cherelle Parker has introduced legislation decreasing the parking tax from 22.5 percent to 17 percent.
The National Amusement Park Historical Association has released the results of a 2020 survey of their members, ranking the top amusement parks in the nation on a variety of categories. Kennywood Park (West Mifflin) and Knoebels Amusement Resort (Elysburg) tied for first place for Favorite Traditional Park—congratulations!
PRLA members can post open positions for free on the PRLA Job Board. And, for a limited time, non-members can receive a complimentary 30-day posting by using the code COVID-19. Forward this info to your hiring manager today!
ICYMI: The National Restaurant Association launched a petition calling on all federal lawmakers to add funding to the Restaurant Relief Fund. SIGN TODAY!
A recent study from Franklin & Marshall College's Center for Opinion Research may indicate the way the May 18 ballot questions are worded could have an effect on how people interpret the questions. PRLA wants you to understand what your vote means and created this infographic to summarize the measures. Please visit Ballotpedia.org for an in-depth look at each ballot measure.