Many workers temporarily lost jobs due to pandemic

John Randall, general manager at Salt + Smoke restaurant, wears a mask and gloves as he takes an order over the phone Friday, April 10, 2020, in St. Louis. Many restaurants like Salt + Smoke have started selling groceries and other provisions as a way to help make up for revenue lost during the coronavirus outbreak. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

DETROIT – Help is available for hospitality workers in Michigan who have temporarily lost their jobs due to coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association president received a $2.5M grant from the Michigan Department of Treasury to support restaurant and lodging industry workers who were impacted by COVID-19.

“We are thankful to Governor Whitmer and the Michigan legislators for their support of the state’s hospitality workers. More than half of the 600,000 hospitality workers in Michigan temporarily lost their jobs and too many restaurants across the state were unable to reopen after the shutdown,” said Justin Winslow MRLA President & CEO.

Employees in Michigan can apply for assistance online from Sept. 22 until Oct. 1 by clicking here. Payments of up to $500 will be provided to approved applicants until the grant has been depleted.

Those who apply for funds will need to have proof of hospitality industry employment as of March 10.