Colonial Williamsburg Foundation announced Wednesday it would close additional facilities including some of its hotel properties starting Friday.
The new closures affect the Williamsburg Inn, the Griffin Hotel and the Woodlands Hotel & Suites.
The foundation recently waived April rent for Merchants Square Association tenants, closed dine-in services and reduced the shuttle bus hours.
“These are difficult decisions, but based on input from leaders across our organization, our regional partners and the healthcare community, we are convinced this is the most responsible course of action,” Cliff Fleet, president and CEO of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, said in a news release. “Our priorities are safeguarding the health of our staff, guests and the community, and helping the community and our employees through this very challenging time, while also protecting Colonial Williamsburg as a cultural institution.”
Most hospitality staff will receive emergency administrative leave with full pay and benefits through April 11 before being furloughed for the remainder of the closure, according to the news release. Part-time employees can also receive the leave option and all furloughed employees renting housing from the foundation will have April rent waived.
In addition, all employees making $50,000 or more per year, including senior management, will have pay cuts, with the highest paid employees getting the largest cuts.
The Williamsburg Lodge and Autograph Collection will remain open to assist the city and public health officials with emergency needs. The Governor’s Inn can be used as emergency housing and care facility.
The foundation also cancelled its annual Garden Symposium, originally scheduled for April 17-19, and postponed indefinitely other events including Mr. Jefferson’s Palace Garden Party, originally scheduled for May 1 and the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg Community Celebration, originally scheduled for May 9-10.
All closures, including the Historic Area and the Art Museums, will be extended through April 30.
For more information on Colonial Williamsburg, visit their website or Facebook page.
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