The hospitality industry was hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 shutdown throughout the country.  Finding ways to reopen this industry is a challenge.  Looking at high tourism cities around the county like Las Vegas, New York and Orlando may provide some insight on how this is to be accomplished.  The Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force based in Orlando has come out with some mandates and recommendations for hotels and restaurants as they attempt to reopen in May.

The Task Force is using guidance from the White House, local health officials and major facilities in the industry to brainstorm on the best solutions.  First, they recommend reopening in phases.

Phase 1 – 50% capacity
Phase 2 – 75% capacity
Phase 3 – 100% capacity

A review of the mandates and guidelines will be reviewed before moving to the next phase.  Phases will last a minimum of 2 weeks but like last much longer.  Mandates are enforceable by local health departments.  Recommendations may not be obtainable at all facilities but are encouraged.

Hotels

Mandates

  • All employees required to wear facemasks
  • Hand sanitizer at the entry to be in plain visible sight
  • Temperature checks for staff prior to shift (temps above 100.4 must not enter premises)
  • All employees with flu-like symptoms advised staying home
  • Front desk to sanitize themselves on a regular basis
  • Consistent cleaning of all guest areas
  • Front desk to utilize sneeze-guards
  • Remove all service items in guest rooms to include glassware, coffee cups, etc.
  • Minibars not to be stocked
  • No self-service food offerings like buffet
  • Space pool furniture according to distancing guidelines
  • Pool gates and pool chairs to be sanitized regularly
  • Door handles, elevator button and railing to be sanitized regularly or designate staff to open doors or press elevator button
  • Remove all coffee makers from guest rooms
  • Remove all guest collateral items, except for those that are single-use
  • Sanitize guest keys before and after each use
  • Sanitize bell carts after each use
  • Phase 1 & 2: No conferences

Recommendations during Phase 1

  • Promote, if available, mobile check-in
  • Housekeeping services to be limited and allow for minimal guest and employee exposure
  • Housekeeping services only clean upon request, or when guests depart
  • Only deliver room service to the guest’s door
  • Provide self-parking
  • Promote social distancing for all guests and staff
  • Recommended touchless sanitizer at entry
  • Increase cleaning services/additional sanitation services through cleaning companies
  • Allow employees to work from home if not playing a critical role in serving guests
  • Modify employee time clocks to avoid touching terminals

PHASE 1 & 2: Staff who are 65+ are encouraged to stay home

Restaurants

Mandates

  • Seated tables to be six feet apart
  • Hand sanitizer at every table
  • Hand sanitizer at the entry to be in plain visible sight
  • All employees required to wear facemasks
  • Temperature checks for staff prior to shift (temp above 100.4 must not enter premises)
  • All employees with flu-like symptoms advised to stay home
  • Doors to be wiped regularly or designate a person to open the door
  • All staff behind counters must wear gloves (except for bartenders)
  • Bartenders to sanitize hands after making each drink order

Recommendations

  • Paper/disposable menus
  • Encourage takeout/online orders
  • Touchless sanitizer at entry
  • Modify employee time clocks to avoid touching terminals

PHASE 1 & 2: Staff who are 65+ are encouraged to stay home

Click Here to see the Video of the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force meeting on reopening various industries.