Durham's Response to Coronavirus
Coming together as a community.
As we monitor the spread of COVID-19, we see a need to centralize official, educational information from the travel and tourism sector and share it with our partners in the hospitality industry.
We are acutely aware that the slightest decline in visitor and local spending has dire implications for business owners, attractions, hoteliers, event owners, and many others, and we seek to make every effort to support business owners, local partners, and supportive community members as we strive to persist and recover from this crisis. Here, we've curated resources for those working in the travel and tourism industry facing difficult decisions and impacted by efforts to arrest the spread of the virus. There are also suggestions for individuals looking to contribute in a time of need.
GUÍA DE RECURSOS PARA LA INDUSTRIA HOSPITALARIATambién hay sugerencias para personas que quieren contribuir en este momento de necesidad. Informese.
Official Resources
Discover Durham urges all visitors, residents and local business owners to follow the guidelines put forth by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the Durham County Public Health Department (DCoPH). For business owners, DCoPH has many useful graphics and articles that are available for you to use and share with your audiences.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Please follow the most recent CDC directives and guidelines as they relate to the spread and containment of COVID-19.
Durham County Public Health Department
Find official updates, FAQs, guidelines for specific audiences, and more.
Durham Recovery & Renewal Task Force
The Durham Recovery & Renewal Task Force (RRTF) was formed to help advise Mayor Schewel and Commissioner Jacobs with a plan for how Durham will recover, renew, and reemerge, and to accomplish the dual purpose of keeping our community safe while helping our economy reopen. RRTF will engage with community partners, experts, and local businesses to provide our elected leaders with actionable guidance and advice.
The City and County of Durham have launched a health and safety campaign aimed to assist businesses by centralizing resources and guidance as well as inspire consumer confidence. Take 15 minutes to complete the health and safety checklist to make sure your business is included in the campaign.
Meetings and Events
If you're a meeting planner or event owner looking to rebook your canceled or postponed event, please contact sales@discoverdurham.com for assistance.
Count on Me NC
Visit NC has put out a free certification for hospitality businesses to get training on best practices for maintaining a safe, clean environment for the public. Completion of the course results in receiving a printable Count On Me NC certificate and social media toolkit.
Meeting Professionals International
MPI has put together a repository of helpful educational links and safety tips for meetings.
World Health Organization
The WHO has published key recommendations for mass gatherings in the wake of COVID-19.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Please follow the CDC's interim guidance for mass gatherings or large community events.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business. The SBA provides business owners and entrepreneurs with counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.
Subscribe to COVID-19 Resource Emails
Discover Durham sends regular communication to hospitality partners with the latest safety guidance and funding information. If you'd like to stay current on resources and helpful information, please subscribe. Subscribing to this email is the best way to receive streamlined information for your Durham business on a bi-weekly basis, with ad hoc updates sent with more timely information.
hospitality industry resources
FAQs from the National Restaurant Association The link includes actionable information, other resources, and more on ServSafe training. Learn More
Facebook for Business Hub Resources for small business owners including a grants program, resilience toolkit, and quick action guide Learn More
Greenlight Durham In partnership with the city and county of Durham and Duke Health, Greenlight provides monitoring, guidance, and testing access to businesses in Durham. Learn More
local impact
Unemployment Resources Gov. Cooper's recent order eased unemployment benefit restrictions and qualifications. Learn More
NCWorks Career Center - Durham A letter from NCWorks includes a survey and helpful resources for employers in regard to arrangements for employment support. Learn More
Durham Business 360 The City's Office of Economic and Workforce Development, in collaboration with members of its Small Business Advisory Committee, have compiled tools and resources for business owners. Learn More
Durham County Government Response Resources include DCo departmental updates, key announcements as well as updates from partners. Learn More
Discover Durham is maintaining two COVID-19 business-specific pages, helping the residents and visitors know which local restaurants and retailers are open and offering various takeout, curbside pick up, etc. options.
To be included in these blog posts (Pick Up. Take Out. Dine in ... Durham or Durham Retail: In-Store, Curbside, and Delivery Options during COVID-19) please fill out the following forms: