MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA—For nearly 40 years, Sandals Resorts has continuously implemented and strengthened health and safety protocols to ensure guests are able to enjoy their Caribbean vacation worry-free. In preparation to welcome guests back to the beauty and warmth of the Caribbean, the company introduced Sandals Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness, building on its existing practices to guarantee cleanliness standards and heightened health and safety measures that address changing consumer expectations amidst COVID-19. “At Sandals Resorts, cleanliness and safety have always been priority number one. Our loyal guests and incredible team members are part of the Sandals family, and we take...

WEST CALDWELL, N.J.—MaxLite Energy Star certified LED bulbs are being delivered to Massachusetts communities hardest hit by COVID-19 as part of a utility-sponsored program that distributes energy efficient lighting through food pantries. More than 21,400 MaxLite 9-watt Energy Star certified A-line bulbs are being included in meal kits distributed at 45 food pantries in communities such as Lawrence, Methuen, Chelsea, New Bedford, Framingham, and Pittsfield. The distribution is the first phase of a yearlong initiative that will see 240,000 Energy Star certified LED bulbs delivered to Massachusetts and Rhode Island food pantries on behalf of regional utilities that are part...

NEW YORK—MCOMS, acknowledging the recent COVID-19 challenges that have come to shape again the hospitality industry, has designed some innovative solutions to enable hoteliers to provide tailor made guest interactive services to mobile devices, and communicate directly with their guests. With the recent Corona virus global outbreak, the public has become increasingly concerned with public health, hotel room cleanliness and sanitation. Through MCOMS’ HOTstream Mobile solution, guests have access to multiple features and services, eliminating the need to contact the hotel staff directly. Features of the solution include the ability to make reservations to hotel facilities, restaurants, spa or golf, order...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced a new strategy, Healthy People in Healthy Places Equals a Healthy Economy, intended to leverage LEED and the community implementing the rating system to support buildings and communities in a post-pandemic world. The strategy is guided by the idea that prioritizing the health of people, communities and the planet is the fastest way to rebuild a healthier, more sustainable economy. A series of actions are underway, including launching emergency guidance and upgrades to the LEED green building program to ensure that it reflects the realities that buildings, and more importantly, the people...

MONTROSE, CALIF.—There are hundreds of moisturizing lotion and cream options, but most of these only provide dry skin relief for a few minutes, or until hands are washed, and then they must be reapplied. Gloves In A Bottle is unique compared to other lotions and creams because it is a Shielding Lotion. A Shielding Lotion is a lotion that bonds with the outermost layer of skin cells, enhancing the skin’s ability to retain natural oils and moisture and assisting in the skin’s ability to protect against hand sanitizers, alcohol and other irritants, harsh soaps, common household and workplace products and even the cosmetics that strip moisture out of the skin. Conventional...

MINNEAPOLIS—Meyers, a national leader in brand marketing and high-end commercial printing, announced that it has created a solution that will help the hotel industry offer contactless check-in and room access. Meyers has developed a paper RFID key card—called the AssureCard—that looks and feels like a plastic key card but is made from renewable paper pulp and may be disposed of after a single use. In addition, Meyers has developed a low-cost key card dispenser that allows the customer to get their own card(s) while maintaining appropriate physical distancing with hotel employees. “Hotels typically reuse key cards for multiple guests, and...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Usually around Earth day, the conversation centers around sustainability targets, taking on more environmental responsibility, and raising awareness of the dangers of waste and pollution. This year, things have been different. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many plans, and people celebrated the 50th anniversary of Earth Day at home. The entire planet is going through an uncertain period, and although other health and economy headlines are under the spotlight, climate actions remain just as important. According to the UN’s Emissions Gap Report 2019, global CO2 emissions need to drop by 7.6 percent this year if we want to keep global heating...

In just three months, the coronavirus spread from Wuhan, China, to every corner of the world. Everyone is affected by this global pandemic, and few industries have been as negatively impacted as hospitality and travel. As in any crisis, communication with employees is essential. With hotels closing/opening daily and workers being furloughed/rehired, hoteliers are quickly realizing that they do not have effective communication processes in place to stay connected with their valued workforces. Although hotel companies are working diligently to triage this crisis the best they can, each are facing limitations. But there is some good news. Digital employee-communication...

TORONTO—Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has entered into a collaboration with Johns Hopkins Medicine International, the global division of health care and research leader Johns Hopkins Medicine, to validate its new global health and safety program, Lead With Care, and provide ongoing, real-time guidance on the evolving COVID-19 situation. Grounded in the principles of care, trust and service, the Lead With Care program will be reviewed and validated by Johns Hopkins Medicine experts and implemented by teams at Four Seasons properties around the world. “Within this new environment, our singular goal is to provide guests, residents and employees with the confidence and...

NATIONAL REPORT—One of the main ways to slow the spread of COVID-19 is through the wearing of face masks. Face masks prevent you from spreading respiratory droplets and help reduce, but not eliminate, the wearer’s exposure to airborne particles. In recent months, many suppliers have emerged selling different types of masks. A review of supplier sites found at least a half-dozen different mask types. Ray Burger, President of Pineapple Hospitality, a company currently selling several mask varieties, says his customers are primarily buying 3-ply and KN95 for non-medical use masks. Both N95 and KN95 masks are available in the marketplace...