CHICAGO — March 27, 2020 — NAMA is providing an industry certification letter for members to provide to employees recognizing their operations as essential if they are operating in states that have declared “Shelter-in-place” and Shut-down” orders amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

“We recommend that members provide a hard copy of this letter, and the DHS memorandum, to each employee,” said Mike Goscinski, NAMA’s Director of Federal and State Regulatory Affairs.

NAMA has been working around the clock to ensure that the convenience services industry is deemed an “essential industry.’’ This included work with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to include “other retail selling food and beverages” as critical infrastructure in its Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response, the memo that most Governors are aligning with in their orders.

“In addition, we encourage members to take a look at the resources page on the namanow.org website, a great reference point for information just a click away. Also know that NAMA is here for you. Call any of the NAMA team members for support,” he concluded.

Updated on an ongoing basis, NAMA’s coronavirus resource page can keep the industry apprised of the many new developments related to COVID-19. This page offers robust guidance and qualified experts.