Colonial Williamsburg extends closures through May, plans additional furloughs

Williamsburg Lodge employees will be furloughed after it closes May 1.

Published April 21, 2020 by Sydney Lake

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is extending its closures through May 31 and is furloughing additional staff.

The nonprofit, which owns and operates the Historic Area, museums, hotels, restaurants and other attractions, had originally announced closures would last through April 30.

The Williamsburg Lodge, which has remained open to assist the city and public health officials with emergency needs, will close its hotel operations starting May 1. Most hourly Lodge employees who are currently working will receive full pay and benefits through May 9, then will be furloughed along with hospitality staff and part-time employees who were furloughed earlier this month.  

Furloughed employees will maintain health insurance and other benefits and Colonial Williamsburg is waiving May rent for those who live in foundation-owned housing.

Employees who are currently working remotely or on-site with social distancing in the Historic Area, the art museums and operations will continue to do so. 

“We are looking forward to reopening the Historic Area, art museums, hotels and restaurants, and are actively preparing by developing plans which include enhanced health and safety protocols,” Colonial Williamsburg Foundation President and CEO Cliff Fleet said in a statement. “Our overriding objective is to protect the health of our employees, visitors, and members of the community, so the timing will be guided by government and public health officials.” 

Foundation staff are teleworking, and other employees who must work onsite are following safety protocols.

Some Colonial houses, the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club and The Cupboard remain open. The Williamsburg Lodge’s Sweet Tea & Barley is offering curbside pickup. Merchants Square shops and restaurants are operating at their own discretion.