COLUMBUS, OHIO—Red Roof, a leader in upscale economy lodging, understands the difficulty of this uncertain time, especially for university and continuing education students who were suddenly displaced as a result of campuses closing due to CDC protocols in response to COVID-19. Mandated closings of schools across the country have left many with nowhere to go, as student housing and meal plans are suspended. Many students are in limbo and not able to return home due to travel restrictions and personal and professional obligations. With many hotels close to college campuses, Red Roof has launched the Student Support Program to help...

NATIONAL REPORT—With so much attention on virus elimination given the COVID-19 pandemic, Green Lodging News has been exploring green cleaning technologies that make it easier for hoteliers to provide a safe, hygienic, disinfected environment for guests and employees. One such technology is electrochemical activation (ECA)—the process for creating electrolyzed water using a low electric charge and natural minerals. Hypochlorous acid, one of the sanitizers created from charged salt and water, has 80 to 200 times the sanitizing power of chlorine bleach, according to Larry Smith, Vice President of Sales for GenEon Technologies. In this article we will also explore...

WARWICK, R.I.—CleanBrands LLC, a trusted leader in pillow and mattress protection, announced that its CleanRest products with MicronOne waterproof, breathable, sleep surface fabric have attained U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highest classification of barrier performance (Level 4). Vartest Laboratories of New York, N.Y. certified CleanRest’s MicronOne fabric passing the ASTM F1671 Viral Penetration Test on April 8, 2020. The CDC established test method assesses the ability of a fabric to block Phi-X174 Bacteriophage which is approximately 32 nanometers in diameter. Covid-19 is known to be of spherical shape 120 nanometers in diameter or nearly four times...

SACRAMENTO, CALIF.—INOX is now offering an antimicrobial coating for its line of stainless steel products, including commercial and residential door levers and pulls, deadbolts, panic devices and push/pull plates. INOX MicroArmor Antimicrobial Coating is a powder coating infused with antimicrobial technology that is applied during the hardware’s manufacturing process and works to inhibit the growth and reproduction of harmful bacteria, mold and mildew by up to 99.9 percent. “In light of the current COVID-19 health crisis, it was incredibly important to us to focus our research and development on products that can help lessen the spread of harmful bacteria and...

LOS ANGELES—More than 115 hotels throughout Los Angeles County have volunteered their hotels to the County Public Health Department, providing access to more than 10,000 rooms as temporary shelter to support the COVID-19 response, the Hotel Association of Los Angeles announced. The unprecedented response by the Los Angeles hotel industry represents approximately 15 percent of all Los Angeles hotel rooms, which are available to protect and isolate population segments vulnerable to the coronavirus outbreak. “Our hotel community response is just one more example of the extraordinary men and women behind the hotel business,’’ said Heather Rozman, Executive Director of the Hotel...

Like a Tsunami coming at us with nowhere to hide, we’re all facing COVID-19 head-on. There’s no way out but charging head-on through it. It is encouraging that some things are under our control. For our partners and customers, we offer the following food for thought. We Can Provide Healthy Air When fresh outside air circulates through a building, it helps maintain a healthy indoor climate, which is especially critical these days. Investing in high-quality air filters using the latest technology will go a long way toward promoting occupant health. According to Justin Lendowski, Sales Engineer at Telkonet, “the higher MERV rating, the...

ODESSA, FLA.—Green Lodging News welcomes GenEon Technologies LLC to its Green Product & Service Directory in the Cleaning & Maintenance/Equipment category. GenEon is a visionary corporation that believes that on-site generation (OSG) of electrolyzed water is the future of beyond-green cleaning. The company’s five systems, from a home unit to commercial, high-volume models, produce cleaners, a heavy-duty degreaser, sanitizer and disinfectant that are effective, safe, sustainable and chemical-free. On-site production eliminates repetitive ordering and significantly reduces cost and waste. Made from just water, select minerals and electricity, all products are safe for skin, eyes and lungs, pets, plants and...

MIAMI—In an effort to support local restaurants amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) announced a program encouraging Miamians to enjoy Greater Miami and the Beaches’ vast dining options while at home. Miami Eats by the GMCVB was conceived to help restaurants inform patrons of their takeout and delivery offerings, and ultimately, stimulate business for locals’ beloved restaurants and most importantly—their owners, chefs and employees. With 270 restaurants listed and counting, Miami Eats by the GMCVB offers endless opportunities to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even wine, beer and cocktails, from the destination’s favorite restaurants....

HIGHLAND PARK, ILL.—Covid 19 has slammed the world. To avoid infections from this virus, we take the necessary steps. Social distancing and washing our hands. But when soap and water are not readily available, we use disposable wipes with at least 70 percent isopropyl alcohol. T2 Site Amenities now provides the dispensers for the wipes. The dispensers are made in the USA from 30 percent recycled content. They are available in stainless steel, powder coated steel or aluminum. Options include standalone and wall mounted versions. Go to www.t2-sa.com, e-mail gerri@t2-sa.com, or call (847)-579-9003.

In this space I have recently highlighted Bi Polar Ionization and ultraviolet radiation as technologies to consider to combat COVID-19. One of my clients recently highlighted his company’s Thermal Accelerated Nano Crystal Sanitation (TANCS) technology. Another client will highlight his company’s steam cleaning products this coming week. In an article I will be posting in the next several days, I highlight electrochemical activation (ECA)—the process for creating electrolyzed water using a low electric charge and natural minerals. Feeling lately like you need to be a scientist just to clean your hotel? I hear you. I urge you to consider all the...