ODESSA, FLA.—Green Lodging News welcome Minibar Systems Worldwide to its Green Product & Service Directory in the “Hand Sanitizer” category. microSURE persistent nano-technology germ killing products go to war on 99.99 percent of harmful microorganisms. When applied, a barrier of crystal killing spikes bonds to hands and surfaces creating a lasting barrier that stays working long after it is applied—for eight hours or more. As germs come into contact with surfaces they are punctured by the killing spikes on contact and die. This results in a mechanical kill—allowing the surface of an object to destroy the cell walls. This...

LOS ANGELES—LATHER announces the launch of its Hand Sanitizer Gel. As a direct result of the COVID-19 outbreak and the recent scarcity of hand sanitizer in the United States, wellness brand LATHER has joined the cause, producing thousands of units of hand sanitizer starting this week. The formula is 65 percent to 70 percent ethyl alcohol based, higher than the 60 percent minimum the CDC recommends, and includes hydrating, restorative botanicals such as aloe vera to combat the drying effects of alcohol. “LATHER has been in operation for over twenty years and is a family run company so we’ve always...

CANCÚN, MEXICO—The Governor of Quintana Roo, Carlos Joaquin Gonzalez, announced the tourism industry will start reopening this week. In preparation for the planned reopening for tourism activity in Quintana Roo, the Secretary of Tourism and state health officials together with the support of specialists in the sector have launched the Mexican Caribbean Clean & Safe Check Certification, which aims to maintain the highest sanitary measures for the prevention and containment of COVID-19 and generate confidence among guests, partners and the community. The certification program, launched May 18, is available to travel agencies, food and beverage establishments, car rental companies, water...

PALMA, SPAIN—The current health crisis has revealed the low levels of protection for the most vulnerable people in society, as well as the enormous difficulty they have in getting access to basic products to protect themselves from coronavirus. The situation is particularly relevant in developing countries where local communities lack the most basic health infrastructure and protection systems. Meliá Hotels International and Diversey have joined forces once again to work to support the health needs of the most vulnerable local communities. The project comes after another circular economy project named Soap For Hope which both companies have been working on...

BRADENTON, FLA.—As restaurants, hotels and other businesses begin reopening around the country, EnviroLogik—a leading service company providing comprehensive hygiene, drain line and odor control solutions—is expanding on its safe and environmentally-friendly service offerings to include several disinfecting options. These disinfectants, B CleanM and B SanitizedM, are specifically designed to treat against the spread of viruses—including COVID-19. “Business owners and consumers are more conscious than ever about the health and safety standards of the facilities they operate and visit,” said CEO Aziz Tejpar. “At EnviroLogik, we are committed to helping local businesses get back to work as safely as possible. On...

LOS ANGELES—More than 300 Los Angeles hotels have volunteered more than 30,000 rooms to the LA County Department of Public Health and other agencies as temporary shelter to support the region’s COVID-19 response, the Hotel Association of Los Angeles announced recently. About 4,000 rooms are under contract, including more than 400 rooms at a large downtown hotel, to protect and isolate population segments vulnerable to the coronavirus outbreak. An additional 2,500 rooms are working through the contracting process as the County ensures proper staffing of trained personnel, indemnification for properties and insurance and liability coverage. “LA hotels have stepped up across...

WISCONSIN DELLS, WIS.—Industries across the globe need to adapt to the new standards to address cleanliness and hotels are no exception. Hygienic standards will be a top priority for hotel guests when they return, and current operational protocols will need to evolve to meet guest expectations to ensure they are safe and healthy. Developers of the Plungepacker are announcing their hygienic transporting device for toilet plungers which can help stop the spread of viruses and bacteria. They make the process of transporting a plunger throughout a property more professional and hygienic. The device also allows for easy disinfection of the...

OMAHA, NEB.—Two leaders in architecture and construction have partnered to introduce a prefabricated building system aimed at controlling the spread of Coronavirus and seasonal flu. Developed jointly by global design firm LEO A DALY and Turner Construction Co., the modular WorkWell system provides a safe and welcoming setting for health screening at entrances to buildings and public spaces where infection control is a concern. Offsite fabrication and plug-and-play design enable rapid deployment of WorkWell modules with minimal need for onsite construction crews. How it Works WorkWell is an ecosystem of prefabricated components designed to allow employers, schools, venues, airports and public spaces to efficiently screen large groups of entrants for signs of infectious disease. The centerpiece of WorkWell is the entry pavilion, installed in any area where a...

One of the most missed parts of hospitality industry “normality” has been conferences and trade shows. I miss the face-to-face communication with people. Virtual meetings have become part of the new reality and a necessity with COVID-19, but I hope we can all return to meeting in person soon. It is not only good for the soul, but also a huge job creator for hotels, exhibition centers, publishing companies, event planners, foodservice workers, and many more sectors of the economy. If we all continue to social distance, etc., perhaps the environment will be right for a return soon to...

NATIONAL REPORT—The U.S. hospitality industry is one of the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, with hotels having already lost more than $29 billion in room revenue and 7.7 million jobs since the issue began escalating in mid-February, according to the American Hotel and Lodging Association. The industry is facing one of the toughest periods in history—occupancies are down to zero for many hotels, tourist arrivals have dropped, and mass gatherings have either been canceled or postponed. But, just like the many other challenges that the hospitality industry has faced—such as the SARS virus of 2003, 9/11, and the 2008 market...