OYO Hotels & Homes is emerging as among the first ones in its sector to implement a Covid-19 protection program for guests and staff. The world’s second-largest chain of hotels, homes, managed living, and workspaces has rolled out its ‘Sanitized Stays‘ in all its locations and managed properties in the Philippines as it aims to help curb potential further spread of the new coronavirus disease in the country.
Through the program, which started on June 1, OYO will implement comprehensive hygiene protocols and bolster vigilance measures pre- and post-check-in and throughout its customer journey.
“In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the hospitality industry is facing a new normal in the way we operate,” OYO Hotels & Homes Philippines Country head Ankit Gupta said.
“As a brand committed to offering safe accommodation options, OYO is proactively leading the change in housekeeping and cleanliness protocols within the hospitality industry, across all OYO properties. In this industry, maintaining the trust and confidence of guests is key—and this is reflected in the guest-first approach OYO is taking through our new protocols, in order to provide reassurance and peace of mind to guests,” Gupta added.
Under the Sanitized Stays program, OYO Hotels & Homes is now observing the following safety and hygienic protocols:
• For check-in and check-outs, OYO is implementing a minimal touch process to observe physical distancing. The hotel and managed homes chain is acquiring the required approvals for guests to upload their IDs and complete their formalities at the hotel with minimal staff interaction. Check-out and payment processes are being restructured to ensure minimal staff interaction.
• Minimal contact room service is now being observed to ensure physical distancing at all customer-facing touchpoints and housekeeping activities. Its housekeeping personnel are being trained to carry out tasks in new ways.
• The Sanitized Stays logo is displayed in all properties enrolled on the OYO App and Hotel Booking Platforms. Be assured that before hotels and properties are awarded this tag, those have undergone stringent initial and regular follow-up checks for compliance. Properties that have cleared the background check will display the Sanitized Stays tag on the booking page. An audit based on reviews from guests will be conducted on the properties regularly to ensure that feedback, reviews, and recommendations are taken into consideration to ensure they continue to be accredited as Sanitized Stays.
• OYO Hotels & Homes is adopting a new training module for all its on-ground teams to incorporate new standard operating procedures across functions—health screening (checking of body temperature and symptoms for guests and employees; complete travel and health declarations will also be required from traveling guests, vendors, and contractors); proper disinfection (hand sanitizers are installed at the reception and staff are to wear safety gear); recommending in-room dining; putting of distance markers on floors; promoting handling of own luggage among guests; dealing with outside suppliers and contractors; and property management (overseeing housekeeping practices).
• Reminders on proper handwashing techniques are now posted in all toilets. Hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content are now installed in common areas like the reception and lobby.
• All public spaces are being frequently cleaned using disinfectant products that have been pre-approved by the authorities for cleaning activities. Extra focus is accorded to frequently-touched fixtures and objects like tables, reception desks, lift buttons, door handles, room key cards, water dispensers, and others. Hard surfaces are being cleaned with warm water and detergent, followed by a disinfectant solution.
• All items for laundry are thoroughly washed at the hottest appropriate setting and then fully dried, while all equipment used to transport and handle laundry will be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized.
OYO Hotels and Homes also note that its hotel proprietors and staff can now exercise discretion for accepting or declining guests. They will be on the lookout for possible manifestations of signs and symptoms associated with Covid-19 like fever, shortness of breath, cough, runny nose, sore throat, and headache. The Department of Health’s Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) will immediately be contacted if guests and staff show symptoms of the condition.