The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), which represents the hospitality industry, says that several major chains across the country will require masks for guests in all public spaces.
The group released industry guidelines to improve health and safety protocols during the coronavirus pandemic last week, with members including Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Loews Hotels, Radisson and Wyndham, all willing to impose masks. and social distancing.
Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson announced Monday that the company’s requirement for guests to wear face covers will take effect on July 27.
“Health experts have made it clear that wearing face covers in public spaces is one of the easiest steps we can all take to protect ourselves and reduce the spread of COVID-19,” Sorenson said in a video ad.
AHLA guidelines also include contactless reservations, registrations, payments, and room service when available, and consider daily room cleaning only if necessary.
They also require guests to refrain from traveling if they have, or have recently had, any symptoms of COVID-19 or contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19.
“As an industry, we want every guest to experience a clean and safe hotel no matter where they stay,” Chip Rogers, AHLA President and CEO, said in a statement. “These preventive measures make it safer and easier for Americans to travel, while supporting hotel and tourism employees.”
The move follows in the footsteps of major U.S. airlines, which require passengers to wear masks while on planes, and policy changes by Walmart, Target, CVS Health, Best Buy, and Kroger last week that require customers to wear masks in stores across the country.
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