It’s been an encouraging time for the U.S. in terms of COVID. For the past several weeks, cases have been generally on a downward trend, although the scientists aren’t exactly sure why. However, they have a few hypotheses:
- About 15% of U.S. citizens have now been vaccinated, either partially or fully, against COVID (although that number is still too small to make the dent that we’ve seen in our numbers, it would account for a part of the decrease)
- The virus’s seasonality (scientists say that may allow it to spread faster in colder weather)
- There’s more talk about getting vaccinated and less about being tested. That’s resulted in fewer people getting tested (remember when the former president suggested that, “by having more tests, we have more cases?” Well, we don’t – the number of cases is whatever they are. But with less testing, not as many cases are detected)
The governors of some states are willing to take any good news and use it to their advantage, or at least as an excuse to lift mask mandates or to justify earlier decisions regarding mask use. As of this writing, the following states do not have mask mandates: Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee.
However even as those mandates end (or, for some states, had never been), local governments continue with their own rules for their own areas. And that’s to say nothing of individual businesses.
Despite the lack of mask rules in some states, etc., most, if not all hotel chains still require masks. Here are the current rules for the most popular hotel brands in the U.S.:
Hilton
In accordance with CDC and WHO guidelines, we are requiring face coverings in all indoor public areas of all our hotels throughout the U.S., the Caribbean and Latin America, for guests and Team Members. Additionally, we continue to encourage the use of face coverings at our hotels throughout the rest of the world.
Hyatt
Following medical expert guidance to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, face masks or coverings are required in hotel indoor public areas and when moving around in outdoor areas at all Hyatt hotels globally, with some exceptions, based on local laws or guidance. For specific requirements, please contact the hotel directly or visit the hotel website.
Public areas may include hotel lobbies, meetings and events spaces, restaurants and bars, and fitness centers. Some guests may be exempt from this mandate, including but not limited to guests with medical conditions, guests consuming food or beverages in restaurants, guests who are seated outdoors and socially distant, meetings and events guests who are seated and socially distant, and children under the age of two (2). Contact a Hyatt Global Contact Center for more information.
IHG
All IHG branded hotels are required to adhere to comprehensive cleaning and safety procedures intended to reduce the risk of Covid-19 exposure and transmission. In addition, effective Monday, July 27 {ETA: 2020}, face coverings will be required in all indoor public spaces at our hotels in US and Canada.
Marriott
To promote the health and safety of our communities, face coverings are required for guests and associates in all indoor public areas in North America, the Caribbean and Latin America.
Wyndham
As part of our response to COVID-19, all hotel guests in the U.S. and Canada are required to wear a mask/face covering when in indoor public areas…
Of course, rules are only as effective as they’re followed and enforced. Some places are excellent at reinforcing what needs to be done. Others, not so much. The same goes for people who choose to follow the rules. Hopefully, people will continue to wear masks where they’re required, to help continue to slow the spread until COVID is no longer an issue. For as long as it takes.
Feature Photo: Marriott
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#stayhealthy #staysafe #washyourhands #wearamask
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
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