Updating Face Covering Policy
Tahoe Chamber | May 26, 2021 | Community News
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Two weeks ago the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its mask guidelines. Reopening phases had introduced a slow-and-steady approach, so the sudden announcement that fully vaccinated people may resume activities without a mask had left various agencies and small businesses in a difficult position for new messaging.
So, how are different industries handling the announcement?
HOTEL & HOSPITALITY
The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) — collectively representing roughly 80% of the U.S. lodging industry — quickly adopted the new CDC guideline.
“In light of the recent CDC announcement that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in most settings, our Safe Stay guidelines will relax mask requirements for guests who are fully vaccinated,” said Chip Rogers, AHLA CEO, in a statement. “At this time, we are not asking hotels to require proof of vaccination status, but we do ask that all guests and workers, vaccinated or not, respect and honor these revised guidelines. Unvaccinated guests should wear face-coverings and practice physical distancing at all times in public settings.”
For employees, the mask policy may vary depending on the position. Business and hotel employees are still required to wear face-coverings indoors for the time being. “For vaccinated employees working outside, or not in close contact with others, our guidelines will permit hotels to implement protocols easing face-covering requirements,” said Rogers.
MGM Resort Hotels in Las Vegas also quickly adopted the approach to easing face-covering requirements.
“No, we will not ask guests for proof of their vaccination status,” said MGM Resorts Director of Media Relations Brian Ahern in an email. “The State of Nevada and Gaming Control Board do not require businesses to verify a guest’s vaccine status, so it is assumed that a guest not wearing a mask is fully vaccinated.”
Other hotel franchises have not announced updates to mask policies, including Hilton and Wyndham.
RESTAURANT
Starbucks was one of the first companies to align its facial covering policy with the CDC. The food and beverage chain officially no longer requires facial coverings for fully-vaccinated customers beginning May 17, except where local regulations require them by law.
However, employees are still to maintain already existing protocol stating “as of February 8, partners at all company-operated locations in the U.S. & Canada will be required to wear multi-ply facial coverings (or double mask) during their shifts and continue to frequently wash their hands per standard protocol. They also have the option to wear gloves if they choose to.”
In Chicago, many restaurants have taken a proactive approach. Ella’s BBQ in Lincoln Park has made masks optional for fully vaccinated employees and customers by the honor system. On the other hand, Alinea Group has taken a different approach with co-owner Nick Kokonas tweeting “vaccination lapel pins [available] to any employees who voluntarily choose to show proof of vax. Those employees will not be required to wear masks per CDC guidelines, and guests can identify them via the pin.” Alinea Group restaurants will still ask customers to wear a mask prior to seating.