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Tips & Best Practices for the Real Estate and Hospitality Industries During the COVID-19 Pandemic

For the latest information and resources on Coronavirus, please visit the RCM&D COVID-19 Resource Center at https://info.rcmd.com/covid19.

Members of the Real Estate and Hospitality industries are undoubtedly concerned about the state of the Coronavirus pandemic. They are looking for answers when it comes to protecting themselves, their employees and their guests/tenants during the outbreak. This blog will provide guidelines for hotels and apartment complexes to help prevent the spread of the virus and continue operations in a safe manner.

What Can We Do To Protect Employees, Guests, and Tenants?

Front Desk & Public Areas

Person to person interactions and gatherings in public areas should be prohibited. Encourage guests and tenants to utilize electronic check-ins, call the front desk with any questions or concerns and to remain in their rooms by prohibiting gatherings in lobbies, lounges and other public areas. Establish hand sanitizing stations in public areas such as front desk, gym, laundry areas and elevators. Ensure bathrooms are fully stocked with soap, tissues, and paper towels. Provide gloves to front desk employees and establish a six foot “social distance” between front desk and visitors/guests checking in/inquiring information.

Clean and sanitize commonly touched objects and equipment (door knobs, elevator buttons, phones, computers, bathrooms, etc.) on a regular basis, every hour if possible.

Review up to date information from the CDC with staff and post prevention strategies (in multiple languages where applicable) in key locations for staff, guests and tenants (CDC Website):

Housekeeping

Switch to pre-approved disinfectants for use against emerging viral pathogens (American Chemistry Council COVID-19 Fighting Products). Utilize enhanced housekeeping cleaning practices when cleaning public areas and guest rooms:

When lacking cleaning chemicals and sanitizing wipes, diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective. Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:

Linens may become contaminated with the virus so it is important to add disinfectant when washing laundry. Launder items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely.

Follow normal preventive actions including hand hygiene and avoiding touching eyes, nose, or mouth. Always wash hands:

Transportation/Delivery Services

Drivers and delivery personnel may frequently come in contact with many people, putting them at high risk of exposure. Shuttle/van transportation services should be limited for essential and emergency use only. Ensure that vehicles are stocked with cleaning supplies and that door handles, seats and control devices are disinfected frequently. Consider implementing a “Leave at Door” delivery policy to reduce person to person interactions. Vendor delivery services should be limited to one delivery area and only essential supplies should be ordered for the duration of the pandemic.

Resources