Several weeks ago, virtually all major hotel chains announced that hotel employees would have to wear masks. That requirement is now being extended to guests as well, at least in the world’s largest hotel group.
Marriott will require guests to wear masks
Effective July 27, 2020, Marriott will require guests of all US properties to wear face covers in all interior public spaces.
Here’s a video message from Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson announcing this development:
Following the announcement of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) “Safe Stays Guest Checklist” last week, Marriott International will require all guests to cover their faces at their hotels beginning July 27. . Pic.twitter.com/frOjzcCQAs
– Marriott International (@MarriottIntl) July 20, 2020
This follows the recently released recommendations of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), which has created a “Safe Stay Check List for Guests”. Presumably, we will most likely see other hotel groups follow.
This is a fantastic development and, in my opinion, delayed. We know that facial coatings help slow the spread of the coronavirus, and it’s a small way we can do our part to stop the spread while trying to get on with our daily lives.
Let’s hope hotels do a decent job enforcing this new requirement. However, given the lack of compliance I’ve witnessed with hotel employees wearing masks, I’m not sure I’m so optimistic.
Also, practically speaking there are presumably exclusions. Much of the time people spend in public hotel spaces is likely in restaurants and bars, where that does not apply while sitting.
AHLA’s new coronavirus checklist
As previously mentioned, this follows AHLA’s recently released new guest checklist, intended to show how guests can travel safely while creating a standardized security experience across the country. This checklist includes the following:
- Demand facial coatings in all interior public spaces and practice social distancing in all common areas
- Choose contactless options, when available, including online reservations, registrations and payments
- Consider daily cleaning of the room, only if necessary; ask the hotel about your options
- Request delivery of room service without contact
- Refrain from traveling if you have, or have recently had, any symptoms of COVID-19 or contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19
Bottom line
Starting July 27, Marriott guests in the US will be required to wear face masks when indoors in public areas. This is a great initiative, and I am sure we will see other groups of hotels soon.
What do you think of the new Marriott guest mask requirement?
