Masks are now mandatory for guests and visitors in all indoor public spaces at Accor properties across North and Central America.

The global hospitality leader made the announcement on August 24, 2020. Accor employees have already been required to wear masks, in addition to other preventive measures implemented as part of the Group’s global ALLSAFE cleanliness label and the region’s ALL Safe & Well wellbeing platform.

“We remain deeply committed to taking the necessary steps to protect the health and safety of our guests and employees throughout the ongoing challenges presented by COVID-19,” said Heather McCrory, CEO, Accor North & Central America. “Wearing face coverings, along with enhanced cleaning protocols and practicing physical distancing, will help ensure that every guest has a safe experience in our hotels and that we can protect each other as we begin travelling again.”

the mandate is aligned with the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s (AHLA) new Guest Checklist as part of its ongoing “Safe Stay” initiative, aimed to unite the hotel industry under a shared set of guidelines issued by public health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Masks will be provided by the hotels for guests who do not have one.

The face-covering mandate is Accor’s latest measure to keep guests and employees safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Additional measures include:

• physical distancing;
• mandatory screening for all guests and employees, which may include a temperature check;
• 48-hour “resting period” for soft goods (i.e. pillows and duvets) between guest stays;
• increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting, with a focus on high-touch points;
• and continued use of EPA-registered disinfecting chemicals, proven effective in preventing the transmission of COVID-19.

Hands-on training for all employees, a dedicated ALLSAFE Ambassador at each property, and a formal audit program ensure initial and continued compliance.

Accor announced its alliance with Bureau Veritas in April and launched its All Stay Well wellbeing platform in May.