The removal of pandemic travel restrictions combined with the relaxation of many mask mandates, indoor access, and capacity requirements, and constraints on entertainment venues has resulted in a significant uptick in away-from-home travel and the need for facilities to focus on high-level cleaning and hygiene outcomes in the wake of increased COVID transmission.
Preparing Hospitality Venues for Increased Occupancy in the Wake of Heightened COVID Concerns
The lifting of COVID-related restrictions has resulted in increased away-from-home activities.
According to a recent survey conducted by GP Pro regarding the activities of 1,000 US adults over the last 60 days:
- 48% of those who responded stated they had increased their activity.
- 61% said they are already participating in away-from-home activities at the same level as they were before the pandemic.
- 31% stated they were only taking safety precautions if required, and;
- 30% are taking such precautions--masks and social distancing--whether required or not.
Included in the away-from-home activities respondents stated they were routinely participating in:
- 74% said in-store grocery shopping,
- 61% said going to a drive-thru restaurant or coffee shop,
- 56% stated in-store retail shopping,
- 50% are socializing with close friends and family,
- 46% have returned to indoor dining at a restaurant, and;
- 38% stated they had returned to work in an office environment.
Source:
While many people are venturing out, although close to home, others are consumed with something a bit more adventurous--colloquially referred to as "revenge travel."
According to the Huffington Post;
While the term may sound silly, ‘revenge travel’ refers to the idea that there will be a huge increase in travel as it becomes safer and things open back up.
Many Americans and those around the world had their vacations altered or outright canceled last year, so they are all looking to satisfy their travel itch at the same time.
The term is also retribution against COVID-19 and how it is losing its power to control our lives, including canceling travel plans.
If vaccination rates continue to increase and case counts decline, many travel experts predict many Americans will book more trips than they did before the coronavirus era to make up for lost time and to reconnect with friends and family.
'Revenge Travel' Will Be All The Rage Over The Next Few Years
Enhanced Cleaning and Hygiene Tips to Ensure Hospitality Occupant Safety
A massive number of travelers are expected to step out to vacation destinations well into late fall/early winter, and hospitality facilities managers and custodial teams will need to be prepared to deal with a wide range of issues, including:
- Preventing the spread of common hospitality-related pathogenic bacteria, such as salmonella and legionella.
- Addressing both COVID and influenza concerns, and;
- Dealing with the ever-present pest control issue of bedbugs.
Recommendations include:
- Routinely inspect the entire facility, especially guest-facing areas for any signs of pest infestation, mold or bacteria buildup, facility functionality issues, especially in restrooms and dining areas, and flush all water flow systems and, if the facility has been shuttered for some time, test the water for waterborne pathogens and bacteria.
- Regularly vacuum floors, rugs, and furniture at least once per day.
- Clean all occupied areas with an EPA-registered commercial-grade detergent and apply with microfiber towels and mops.
- Routinely disinfect fomite surfaces throughout the day with an EPA-registered disinfectant, preferably one selected from List-N.
- Ensure all restrooms are fully sanitized and stocked with all necessary paper and soap products.
- Inspect HVAC systems for pests and install a minimum MERV-13 filter.
- Increase indoor airflow, and;
- Install commercial-grade air-purification systems.
References & Resources
- Four Tips To Help Businesses Instill Confidence In Travel Facilities
- How Housekeepers Can Defend Against Bed Bugs
Takeaway
A decrease in COVID-related restrictions combined with a newfound itch for travel, an uptick in COVID infections, the looming influenza season, and the typical issues experienced by hospitality facilities during the summer, fall, and early winter will likely create a host of challenges for facilities managers and custodial teams over the next few months.
Increased high-outcome cleaning and disinfection protocols are a must.
Outsourcing is a proven method for onboarding rising in-demand sustainable cleaning for health services, tools, and expertise for a fraction of the cost of maintaining a similar service in-house.
If you would like more information regarding the effectiveness of high-performance infection prevention and control measures, or if you would like to schedule a free, no-obligation onsite assessment of your facility's custodial needs, contact us today for a free quote!
In Bakersfield, CA, call (661) 437-3253
In Fresno, CA, call (559) 206-1059
In Valencia CA, or Santa Clarita CA, call (661) 437-3253
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