Politics & Government
MA Hotels To Reopen Under Tight Phase 2 Restrictions
Social distancing and strict hygiene protocols are at the head of the new restrictions to reopen hotels.
The hotel industry is allowed to reopen in Governor Charlie Baker's Phase 2 of the state's reopening plan. But while hotel doors might open again, the industry won't be able to return to business as usual. Strict social distancing and hygiene protocol are at the top of a long list of restrictions hotels will need to follow.
The start of Phase 2 depends on how fast or slow the coronavirus continues to spread — Baker said he is closely monitoring state health data and will base his decision on numbers expected next week.
Along with keeping employees and guests in hotels 6 feet apart, gatherings of more than ten people are prohibited. Valets won't be available unless the hotel deems it absolutely necessary due to physical or geographic constraints.
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To maintain social distancing, hotel managers will have to stagger shifts, employee lunches and breaks to minimize contact between employees. Entire hotel lobbies and common gathering spaces may have to be reconfigured under new guidelines, to ensure guests and employees have enough space to social distance.
Lobbies won't be the only thing to look different as buffets and self-service food stations in hotels will be prohibited. The free coffee, tea and cookies that sat in many hotel lobbies won't be allowed under Phase 2 guidelines either.
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New guidelines suggest more frequent cleaning procedures and leaving guest rooms vacant for 24 hours as part of cleaning protocol to allow for deep cleaning, disinfectant and cleaners to dry, and reasonable air exchange.
Paper items like magazines, newspapers and other reading materials should be removed from guest rooms, under the new guidelines. Logs of employees shifts, room cleaning and guests is suggested to help contact tracing efforts, if necessary.
Baker is set to address the start date for Phase 2 on June 6. The earliest possible day Phase 2 could start is June 8.
View the full lodging checklist.
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