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
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
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: