Business Traveler, July/August 2020

J U LY A U G U S T 2 0 2 0 b u s i n e s s t r a v e l e r u s a c o m B I O S E C U R I T Y Airports the world over are looking to technology from thermographic cameras to robotic cleaners to help counter the threat coronavirus poses to their workers their travelers and their business One such solution currently being tested at Guadalajara International is a full body disinfecting pod The interior surface of the CLeanTech sanitation pod which resemble a oneperson elevator car with windows is coated with an antimicrobial material and uses a technology called UV photocatalysis to kill viruses bacteria and pathogens which may be lurking on the pods occupant For good measure the booth dispenses a light sanitizing mist to disinfect clothing and carryon items Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico the airport management company which operates GDL and 13 other airports in Mexico and the Caribbean is testing three of the disinfecting booths at GDL according to José Ángel Martinez Sánchez director of technical operations Martinez Sánchez says the product sprayed into the booth is safe for humans non toxic and biodegradable and has been cleared by COFEPRIS Mexicos Federal Committee for Protection from Sanitary Risks The booth also has built in temperature sensors to check the subject for a fever The entire disinfecting process takes 40 seconds Martinez Sánchez says The technology is now being used by frontline workers like health professionals and is also undergoing trials at Hong Kong International Airport Once the initial trial at Guadalajara is complete Martinez Sánchez says GAP will determine whether to use these booths at their other airports which also include Tijuana Mexicali Los Cabos and Kingston Jamaica CORONAVIRUS KILLERS IMAGE Pass through an enclosed CLeanTech sanitation pod for a 40 second sanitization procedure Expansive breakfast buffets Most are gone Some hotels have stacks of boxed meals at the ready each morning while others allow only cooked to order meals Shared coffee and juice stands are gone ACCOMMODATING HEALTH The American Hotel and Lodging Association has developed Stay Safe a series of cleaning guidelines for the industry in response to COVID 19 that cover both employees and guests For example elevator button panels and handrails should be disinfected at regular intervals including the beginning of each housekeeping staff work shift and continuing throughout the day Traditional room service should be replaced with a no contact delivery method Headquartered in Albany NY Red Roof Inns promise new Redi Clean protocols in guest rooms In addition up to four times per day housekeepers are sanitizing exterior and corridor touchpoints as well as common areas including elevators laundry rooms front desks maintenance rooms storage door handles stairwell handrails emergency exit doors pool gates if applicable dumpster gate handles and trash receptacles and carts and public restrooms Accor will provide guests with face masks Hilton boasts of CleanStay with Lysol Protection procedures and has announced a partnership with the Mayo Clinic for advice and assistance on cleaning disinfection protocols Marriott has created a Global Cleanliness Council to to develop a new generation of global hospitality cleanliness standards norms and behaviors for Marriotts more than 7300 properties around the globe Hyatt has introduced GBAC STARTM accreditation a performance based cleaning disinfection and infectious disease prevention program GBAC is a division of ISSA a global cleaning industry association of companies working in microbial pathogenic threat analysis and mitigation designed specifically to deal with biological threats and real time crises like the COVID 19 pandemic Amtrak has tackled the coronavirus threat as a transportation company that also provides overnight accommodations and food service Ticket sales are limited on reserved services to facilitate social distancing on board Face masks are required for all customers when they are not in their private rooms or seated alone Service will be denied to customers not wearing facial coverings In addition there are some train specific changes Café service aboard Amtrak trains that still offer food service will be available as carryout only As seating in the café will be closed customers will bring items back to their seats or private rooms to eat Passengers can use an automatic door open button with their foot when moving between cars and conductors will announce where and when passengers can disembark at stops to minimize crowding at the exit doors Road warriors have to eat in restaurants Eating indoors is considered medium to high risk because people linger there increasing the duration of any exposure Hotels are separating tables and enlarging outdoor seating areas where the risk is considered lower Food menus now tend toward the single use throw away Restaurant waitstaff are masked and single use condiment packages have replaced catsup bottles and sugar bowls With all the emphasis on disinfecting and cleaning surfaces travelers should be mindful that according to the CDC the main way people are getting sick with the coronavirus is from airborne respiratory droplets spreading between people in close quarters and COVID 19 may be spread by people with no symptoms of the disease BT 5 8