Just days after the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) released a Safe Stay Guest Checklist, hotel giants have extended mask requirements to guests.
Marriott International, Hyatt Hotel Corp., InterContinental Hotels Group and Hilton Hotels and Resorts, among others, now expect patrons to wear masks in all public spaces, including meeting areas, restaurants, bars and fitness centres.
Previously, masks were required for employees only.
“As part of our commitment to clean, we made it a brand standard that associates wear masks and set an example,” said Marriott president and CEO, Arne Sorenson, in a video update on the company’s website. “Given the recent spikes across the U.S., and with guidance from health officials, we are now extending the requirement to wear face masks in all indoor public spaces in hotels to our guests, no matter the jurisdiction.”
Some guests may be exempt from this mandate, such as people with medical conditions, those consuming food or beverages in restaurants, and children under the age of two years.
“This new policy comes at a pivotal time amidst the ongoing challenges of COVID-19 and helps us care for the health and safety of our guests and colleagues,” says Hyatt president and CEO, Mark Hoplamazian. “In an effort to enable safe travel, we support AHLA’s recently expanded Safe Stay initiative and traveller checklist that help us come together as an industry to promote clear guidelines, which for the foreseeable future include the wearing of face coverings in indoor public spaces and practicing social distancing throughout the hotel.”
ALHA’s checklist includes wearing face masks and practicing physical distancing in all public spaces and common areas; using contactless options, where available, including online reservations, check-in and payments; daily room cleaning, if necessary; contactless room service delivery; and refraining from travelling if experiencing, or recently experienced, COVID-19 symptoms, or if been in contact with anyone diagnosed with the virus.
