February 2021.  COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on the normally bustling hospitality sector.  Standard hotel occupancy  has dropped to less than 37%, and as of February 1, 2021, 58% of Manhattan hotels remain closed (aggregate – Source, AHLA.)  While the numbers are staggering, the industry is reawakening and expressing optimism as the vaccines and herd immunity take hold.

Optimism aside, the hospitality industry must protect itself and its employees as the world emerges and begins traveling once again.  We all hope that travelers will be wise in their travel decisions, unfortunately, history does not always bear that out. Sick people will travel. Some may even arrive on your doorstep. Knowingly or unknowingly.

How can you protect yourself from liability?

• Enforce any mandatory mask rules/adhere to any local/federal mask laws. State that failure to comply will result in expulsion from the premises.
• Demonstrate cleanliness. Install hand sanitizer stations. Have wipes available. Place signs on the floor demonstrating social distancing. Clean “often touched” surfaces frequently and openly.
• Require that guests acknowledge that they are NOT sick, that they have not been knowingly exposed to a carrier, and request that they acknowledge that they will be contact traced. Generate and save this form ELECTRONICALLY to ensure accessibility in the event of a need.
• Require that guests acknowledge that the best efforts of the hotel and its staff may not prevent the transmission, and require that they acknowledge that they are KNOWINGLY accepting this risk. Generate and save this form ELECTRONICALLY to ensure accessibility in the event of a need.

We all look forward to the day that life returns to “normal.”  Until then, take precautions, be safe and happy travels!

Paula Dore

Orion