How Hotels Can Keep Guests and Employees Safe During COVID-19

Hotel cleanliness is a major concern when preventing the spread of coronavirus. The threat of COVID-19 is present in guest rooms, food service areas, fitness centers, and other facilities, but there are many ways to protect guests and employees. One is to partner with a hospitality uniform rental company that provides clean uniforms, weekly. To keep everyone safe, here are some tips to follow:

Protect Employees

Client Handing Over Credit Card To A Cashier In Face Mask

To protect hotel staff and reduce the risk of illness and absenteeism:

  • Encourage frequent hand-washing: Instruct workers to wash hands using soap and water for at least 20 seconds after coughing/sneezing/blowing their nose; after being in a guest room or public area; or before preparing any food.
  • Provide face masks: Face coverings prevent the spread of potentially infected respiratory droplets and protect the wearer from exposure to them.
  • Practice social distancing: Employees should stay at least six feet apart from each other and guests. The virus most often spreads from person to person when individuals are near one another.
  • Disinfect frequently used spaces: Use only U.S.-Environmental-Protection-Agency-approved disinfectant products to clean reception desks, lobbies, restaurants, guestrooms, health clubs, and hallways.
  • Install plexiglass barriers at the front desk: Allow staff and guests to interact without being exposed to respiratory particles. Also, install sneeze guards between tables if adequate distancing can’t be maintained.
  • Discourage staff from working if they feel sick: Instruct employees to stay home if sick or send them home if signs of illness are present during their shift or a pre-work screening (cough, shortness of breath, and/or fever of 100°F+).1
  • Provide extras of clean uniforms to employees: Clean hotel uniforms should always be available, particularly during cleaning and disinfecting. Washable garments should be properly laundered at the end of each shift.

Protect Guests

Cleaning a door handle with antibacterial spray

To keep your guests safe:

  • Post signs: These reminders should include information on social distancing, symptoms of COVID-19, and proper methods of handwashing.
  • Make hand sanitizer available: Install hand sanitizer stations in the hotel lobby, at all entry/exit points, and throughout frequently trafficked areas such as restrooms and any places where guests may gather (sanitizers should be at least 70% alcohol).
  • Thoroughly sanitize rooms/linens: Thoroughly clean high-use surfaces, including door handles, toilet flushers, water faucet handles, chairs, tables, light switches, alarm clocks, and television remote controls. Also, use proper disinfectant when washing linens.
  • Require masks and social distancing: These are a fact of life during the pandemic and are essential for hotel safety during coronavirus. Many hotels have canceled events to limit large gatherings of people.
  • Discontinue room-cleaning mid-stay: Cleaning rooms only when necessary reduces the risk for staff members. Employees should wait at least 15 minutes before entering the room, accounting for air exchange, and should discard all-single use items.2
  • Discontinue buffet-style meals: Buffet service should be limited, and proper precautions should be taken during any in-person dining event; when room service is provided, no-contact delivery methods should be used.

Order Clean Hospitality Uniforms Today

Prudential Overall Supply is providing clean hospitality uniforms and supplies during COVID-19 to help keep hotels safe. We provide hospitality apparel, disinfectant sprays and towel delivery services, prioritizing quality and adhering to the latest standards (our facilities are ISO-9001-certified). Call 800-767-5536 to learn more.

Sources:

  1. https://frla.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/FRLA-Reopening-Guidance-COVID-19-FINAL.pdf?mc_cid=3ef71f2a6a&mc_eid=[UNIQID
  2. https://www.ahla.com/sites/default/files/safestayguidelines060320_0.pdf