Appoint special Covid-19 officer, keep one-metre distance with guests, provide PPE for staff, realign restaurant seats, strictly no buffets: FHRAI

The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) has recommended that hotels should appoint a special officer nominated among managers, who will be responsible for Covid-19 response planning and implementation.

In its reopening manual, addressed to all registered hotels and resorts in the country, FHRAI said the special officer will be the contact point for Covid-19 emergencies, having decision making powers as required. The officer has to be supported by the operations head, quality control, HR and a medical officer connected with the property.

All hotels and resorts have to replace finger touch biometrics with alternatives, sanitise luggage and credit card machines, avoid direct handling of guest amenities like ID proof, wallets, mobiles etc, direct drivers to wear masks and gloves and maintain social distancing with the guests.

At any point of time, the kitchen should have only two persons at a distance of 10 feet from each other. Reverse traffic of materials into kitchen should be avoided. Realign seats in restaurants to ensure social distancing of one metre.

Remove all amenities in guest rooms like fruit baskets, toiletries, snacks etc and issue them to guests on request. On checkout, any amenities placed in the rooms should be discarded. Sanitise TV remotes and high touch points like switches, carpets, chairs, sofas and door knobs, with sanitisers having 70% alcohol. Cover the pillows and mattresses with Teflon covers.

Hand sanitisers should be provided at the entry of each room, food trolleys and trays have to be sanitised after every service, do not serve guests in their rooms (greet the guest, keep the food and leave the room) and maintain one metre distance with guests at all times.

Gloves and individual hand towels need to be given to hotel staff. Special heavy-duty gloves should be provided to cleaning personnel. Full sleeve long coats for kitchen stewards and staff area cleaning staff, and rubber boots for dish wash staff have to be ensured.

Housemen should not do bed making or linen handling without face masks, goggles, gloves, head cover and full sleeved long coats and boots.

At restaurants there shouldn’t be any open display of ready-to-eat food. They should be kept covered in glass displays. There should be pick-up zones for customers to help maintain social distancing. Self service and buffet are prohibited.

Refrain from handling cash. Encourage digital payments. If cash is handled, wash hands immediately. Encourage customers to place orders online or on telephone well in advance to reduce waiting time.