With chaotic headlines about COVID-19 causing increasing worries across the globe, the hospitality industry in Michigan and across the nation are working to reassure healthy Americans, “It’s OK to live, work, play and travel in the U.S.”
The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association is one of the 150 coalition members who are signatories to a statement released regarding the coronavirus, especially in light of Gov. Whitmer’s State of Emergency declaration in the state.
Association President & CEO Justin Winslow issued a separate statement from the coalition, saying, “Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a ‘State of Emergency’ through Executive Order on March 9 in response to two (2) confirmed cases of COVID – 19 in the state of Michigan. While the driving force behind the declaration is more administrative in nature to ensure that the state can qualify for federal relief funds if and when they become available, it nonetheless could elevate concerns amongst the general public, impacting their decisions to travel or patronize their local restaurant.
The MRLA has led with science-based best practices from the outset of the COVID – 19 infiltration into the United States, providing resources for our members to take appropriate precautions to ensure the safety of the general public and their employees. It is equally important we all remain calm, focusing on the facts and trusting the guidance of health and government officials on this matter.
In that vein of reasoned response, the MRLA has joined over 150 hospitality organizations across the country in a unified statement acknowledging that ‘the latest expert guidance indicates that for the overwhelming majority, it’s OK to live, work, play and travel in the U.S.'”
The full statement from the coalition itself is below:
“For the travel and hospitality industry, the safety of the traveling public, our guests and our employees is of the utmost importance. We are in daily contact with public health authorities and are acting on the most up-to-date information on the evolving coronavirus situation.
“Health and government officials have continually assured the public that healthy Americans can ‘confidently travel in this country.’ While it’s critically important to remain vigilant and take useful precautions in times like these, it’s equally important to make calm, rational, and fact-based decisions.
“Though the headlines may be worrisome, experts continue to say the overall coronavirus risk in the U.S. remains low. At-risk groups are older individuals and those with underlying health conditions, who should take extra precautions.
“The latest expert guidance indicates that for the overwhelming majority, it’s OK to live, work, play and travel in the U.S. By seeking and heeding the latest expert guidance—which includes vigorous use of good health practices, similar to the preventive steps recommended for the seasonal flu—America’s communities will stay strong and continue to thrive. The decision to cancel travel and events has a trickle-down effect that threatens to harm the U.S. economy, from locally owned hotels, restaurants, travel advisors and tour operators to the service and frontline employees who make up the backbone of the travel industry and the American economy.
“We are mindful of a guiding principle that long predates this current public health situation: without the safety and security of travelers, there can be no travel. The travel industry will maintain lines of contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services and will remain vigilant for any changes. Collectively, we are taking enhanced steps to ensure both the safety of travelers, guests and our own employees.”
Back at the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association, authorities say they remain vigilant in serving their members, “preparing them to the best of our abilities through education and communication,” and also fighting for governmental policies that soften any potential economic impact the hospitality industry might endure over the coming months.
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan’s hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,000 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan’s economy, employing more than 595,000 people and creating nearly $40 billion in annual sales. For more information, you can visit online at www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
