COVID-19 cleaning” of ALL spaces from guest rooms to public areas, fitness rooms and kitchens. Red Roof Inn, a leader in economy lodging, launched its Red Roof RediClean plan that replicates many of the same enhanced sanitization protocols and safety procedures of other industry members. The Red Roof plan requires that four times a day, housekeepers sanitize everything from elevators to front desks, door knobs, public washrooms… even down to pool gates. With 50 locations across Canada, the UK and the U.S., the Sandman Hotel Group launched its PureClean program. Working with Ecolab, its comprehensive model embodies the use of a certified disinfectant that effectively kills viruses such as COVID-19. Other measures include Plexiglass shields at check-in, touchless check-out, social distancing indicators in all public spaces and – significantly − hotel rooms are left vacant for up to 72 hours prior to the next check-in. The Silver Hotel Group (SHG), a Canadian family-owned company that has relationships with some of the world’s largest hotel brands (Starwood, Choice, Hilton, Marriott) has likewise responded with comprehensive sanitization protocols and social distancing procedures. They include the use of ultraviolet light technology for killing micro-organisms such as viruses, bacteria and mould spores, together with electrostatic disinfectant spray used to coat all types of surfaces. In addition, all soft goods have been removed from guest rooms and all beds are fitted with triple sheeting duvets washed after each guest departure. In addition, SHG claims to be the first in Canada to be equipped with “bed lifts.” Using a system of radio frequency, beds are elevated for the cleaning of what might be lurking underneath: bacteria, mites, mildew. Employing many of the same safety and hygiene procedures as other industry members, Hilton launched itsCleanStayprogram, partnering with the Mayo Clinic and the company that owns Lysol. Likewise, IHG Hotels (which includes Holiday Inn) rolled out its Clean Promise program for enhanced cleanliness and well-being and, at the same time, Hyatt launched its Global Care and Cleanliness Commitment. Tag names aside, all pandemic responses targeted the same core objective: creating a restructured environment to meet new standards for cleanliness and well-being, while simultaneously fostering safe stay confidence among the travelling public. Across the industry landscape, responses to the coronavirus pandemic are more alike than different. From hotel giants to smaller establishments, the basic criteria are the same: frequent cleaning of all hotel spaces fromdoor knobs to light switches, elevators, kitchens, guest rooms and public space; hospital-grade disinfectants; facilitation of social distancing; prevention promotion; and staff training to meet the needs of this critical time. From Hilton to Holiday Inn, Marriott to Choice, and indeed, all hotels from industry giants to small independent properties, hoteliers consistently express the same commitment to providing guests with the confidence and comfort of knowing that every feasible effort has been made to guarantee safe stays. HAC president Susie Grynol said, “ it’s hard to say whether the current pandemic-inspired procedures and protocols will need to remain in years to come but, for now, they are here to stay.” Self-Sanitization Tips During Hotel Stays While hotels have dramatically intensified safety and sanitation practices, it can never hurt to take a few extra steps for personal peace of mind. 1. Wash your hands as soon as you enter the room. 2. Carry your own antibacterial wipes for wiping down door handles, light switches, toilet handles, taps and phone. 3. Plastic bag the TV remote. It will still work. 4. Never sit your suitcase on the bed. Its exterior can be a cesspool of germs picked up during travel. 5. Avoid glassware if not sealed in a wrapper. 6. Even if it looks clean, squirt some shampoo in the bathtub and run hot water for a minute before showering. 7. If possible, open a window to get fresh-air circulation. TRAVEL ALERT Policies could change but, at the time of writing, certain U.S. states mandated that people in public places and spaces were required to wear face masks. Best to check this out before travelling south of the border. CSANews | SUMMER 2020 | 45
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