The Impact of COVID-19 on the Hospitality Industry

As the United States slowly starts reopening due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many are wondering how stores, restaurants, and hotels/resorts will reopen and work to avoid a “second wave” of illnesses. Wynn Las Vegas has put together a “Health & Disinfection Program,” in which it outlines steps Wynn Resorts is taking to reopen its facilities in Nevada. Below are some of the highlights from the 24-page document.

Employee and Guest Health

Temperature Checks

Wynn will limit points of entry so that the security team will be able to conduct non-invasive temperature checks using thermal cameras. Anyone with a temperature over 100.0° F will be taken to a private area for a second temperature screening. Employees or guests with a confirmed 100° or higher temperature will not be allowed entry to the property.

Social Distancing

Guests will also be advised to stand at least 6 feet away from other guests outside of their party. Restaurant tables, slot machines, and other physical layouts will be arranged to ensure appropriate distancing. Employees will also be reminded to practice distancing by standing at least six feet away from guests and other employees when possible. All resort functions will comply with (or exceed) local and state mandated limits on occupancy.

Hand Sanitizer

Wynn will place hand sanitizer dispensers (touchless when possible) throughout the property, including driveways, reception areas, hotel lobbies, the casino floor, restaurant entrances, meeting and convention spaces, elevator landings, pools, salons, and exercise areas. Hand lotion (to prevent dry skin from frequent sanitizing) will be provided in guest rooms.

The Guest Journey

When guests arrive on property, a security officer will greet each guest. As noted above, visitors will be screened for their temperature and asked to use hand sanitizer and “highly encouraged” to wear a mask or face covering (provided by the resort). Guests will enter through doors that are either propped open, are automatic, or are opened by an employee. Employees will not open car or taxi doors and valet service is suspended until further notice.

Employees will disinfect hotel guest elevator buttons at least once an hour and no more than four guests will be permitted per elevator.

Guest rooms will be thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and sealed with a disinfection sticker that the guest will break upon entry. A spray bottle of sanitizer or wipes will be provided in each room (subject to availability).

Physical Distancing

Wynn is also making changes throughout the resort to ensure appropriate physical distancing. In any area where guests or employees queue, there will be clear markers for appropriate distancing (including check-in/out, elevator lobbies, coffee shops, casual dining, and taxi lines). Restaurants and bars will reduce seating capacities to allow for a minimum of 6 feet between each seated group of guests traveling together. Slot operations will be turned off and/or reconfigured to allow for physical separation and casino supervisors/managers will ensure that guests do not congregate. Similarly, pool seating will be configured to allow for at least six feet of separation between groups of guests traveling together.

Meeting and Convention Spaces

Meeting and banquet set-up arrangements will allow for physical distancing between guests in all meetings and events based on CDC and state recommendations. Self-serve buffet style food service will be suspended and replaced by alternative service styles. Seating capacities and floor plans to be reviewed on an event by event basis to ensure appropriate physical distancing that follows Clark County Fire Department, SNHD and CDC guidelines (in coordination with Hotel Sales & Convention Services).

Subject to Change

Wynn indicates that it is “closely monitoring government policy changes, Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, government mandates, and public health advancements” and that it will continue to make changes “as necessary or appropriate to our protocols and procedures.”

While this Program is not everything the chain is doing – each operating department also has its own customized set of procedures – it serves to show how it plans to keep guests, employees, and the community safe.

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