The Department of Tourism (DOT) has released new guidelines for the shift to the new normal set-up of hotels and accommodations.
Based on the guest handling policy, everyone entering the hotels must undergo temperature checks and guests are obliged to accomplish a health declaration form. Only guests “cleared during screening” are allowed to check in. Online booking is also encouraged.
The guidelines stated that sharing of food or “any personal or non-personal belongings” is prohibited. Mingling with occupants of other rooms is not encouraged. Strict observance of physical distancing, proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette is imperative.
Regarding food and beverage, self-service and buffet services are “highly discouraged.”
Under the precautionary measures for employees, “physical distancing, hand cleaning, and respiratory etiquette must be strictly observed.”
The guidelines added that front desk personnel attending to guests must wear face masks and use disposable gloves when handling materials passed from person to person.
“Hand-shaking is not advised. Instead the practice of the Filipino Brand of Service (FBS) or the “Mabuhay” gesture in greeting guests (should be adapted),” it added.
However, the DOT clarified hotels with health workers and frontline workers must not accept other guests.
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