The hotel industry eases mask guidance for vaccinated guests

The hotel industry’s largest trade group recommended that its member hotels ease masks restrictions for vaccinated guests within the USA on the heels of guidance announced Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“In light of the recent CDC announcement that fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in most settings, our Safe Stay guidelines will relax masks requirements for guests who’re fully vaccinated,” Chip Rogers, president, and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association mentioned in a statement. 

The AHLA represents 27,000 members, nearly half of all hotels within the USA, including major chains such as Marriott International, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and Hyatt.

The mask guidance is a framework for the trade group’s members, however, hotels are required to follow state and local guidance, which may go beyond the CDC’s guidance. Travelers should check with individual hotels on their requirements.

Although the guidance applies only to the vaccinated guests, Rogers mentioned the AHLA is not asking hotels to require proof of vaccination status, essentially removing the mask and social distancing requirements altogether.

That mentioned, “unvaccinated guests should wear face coverings at all times and practice physical distancing,” Rogers added.

Rogers mentioned the industry awaits further direction on how the CDC’s mask guidance applies to employees. Till that is clear, employees should wear face coverings indoors. Vaccinated employees may be allowed to remove their face coverings if they’re working outside and are not in close contact with others at each hotel’s discretion. 

“All through the pandemic, our Secure Keep pointers continued to evolve to align with the present surroundings and CDC pointers, and the identical will likely be true as we work to reopen,” Rogers mentioned.

Rogers mentioned the AHLA encourages the industry’s workforce and guests to get vaccinated and calls on “all Americans” to be vaccinated before removing masks or other forms of facial coverings.

“Moving into the next stages of recovery and as vaccination rates continue to increase, we will carefully consider all new guidance in accordance with all applicable federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, guidelines, and regulations,” Rogers mentioned, noting the AHLA expects to receive additional guidance from the CDC and other health experts on health and safety protocols.