Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the tourism and hospitality industry understands the importance of implementing new safety measures. As both the community and visitors express their desire to get back into your business, it’s important to be prepared to welcome guests safely and to also ensure that your employees are safe.
We recognize that each type of business is different and while each type of business will require its own plan, there are also some general health and safety guidelines that can be applied to all businesses:
• Employees and guests are encouraged to wear masks/face coverings while interacting with others
• Touch-free and contactless payment/check-in options when possible
• Place plexiglass or other barriers between employees and customers where practical and clean these screens regularly
To help our partners re-open, Discover DeKalb has put together a list of industry-specific resources in one place.
FY2021 Per Diem Rates – The General Services Administration (GSA) released the FY2021 per diem rates for government travel in the Continental United States (CONUS) which reflect pre-COVID-19 rates. The move to hold per diem rates is a big victory for the hospitality industry. Thanks to the GHLA and their members who worked with AHLA on a campaign to keep the per diem rates as they were before the crisis.
Georgia Safety Promise – What is the Georgia Safety Promise? It’s a statewide campaign from the Governor’s Office and the Georgia Department of Health that encourages businesses and the public to agree to simple, but critical, measures that will keep Georgians safe from COVID-19, minimize spread of the virus, and keep Georgia open for business.
COVID-19 Pandemic Business Safety Act – On June 26, 2020, the Georgia General Assembly passed the “Georgia COVID-19 Pandemic Business Safety Act”, as one of the final bills to pass out of the legislature on the last day of the 2020 Legislative Session. The Act was written and considered in response to concerns of small businesses throughout Georgia concerning potential legal liability for COVID-19 claims against owners as the economy re-opens in Georgia.
Governor Kemp Signs Executive Order On July 31, 2020 providing additional guidance for Empowering a Healthy Georgia in response to COVID-19
Governor Kemp Signs COVID -19 Executive Order On June 11, 2020
DeKalb County Mask Ordinance – Effective beginning July 25, 2020
Hotel Resources
— Georgia Hotel Lodging Association (GHLA) Resource Page
— American Hotel Lodging Association (AHLA) Resource Page
— AHLA Safe Stay – Industry-wide hotel cleaning standards, toolkit, guidelines and resources
— AHLA Questions & Answers for planning and return to occupancy
— The Growth Works – Hotel Emergency Toolkit
— Public Pool Re-Opening Guidelines – Public swimming pools must adhere to the strict set of guidelines that dictate how other places may operate, and that they are subject to bans of more than 10 people where six-foot distances between individuals cannot be maintained.
“They can reopen if they comply with all applicable requirements,” a statement from the governor’s office said. “Operators need to contact their local health department to determine if and when they need an inspection, what local mandates apply, etc. The Governor’s order still requires that, even if they are open, users must comply with social distancing mandates, and the large gathering ban applies where more than ten people in a single location must maintain at least six feet between each person.”
The following additional resources are available that address swimming pool operation and maintenance:
Georgia Department of Public Health – COVID-19 Guidance – Public Swimming Pools (May 12, 2020)
CDC – Considerations for Public Pools, Hot Tubs, and Water Playgrounds During COVID-19
CDC – Water Transmission and COVID-19
CMAHC – COVID-19 Pandemic Resources for the Aquatics Industry
Pool & Hot Tub Alliance – Coronavirus Update
Restaurant Resources
— THRIVE Georgia is an online program that trains restaurant employees on the latest state regulations for COVID-19 mitigation, ensuring your business is compliant and your guests are safe. FREE FOR 10 WEEKS.
— Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) Resource Page (Includes new guidelines released by Governor Kemp on June 11, 2020)
— National Restaurant Association (NRA) Resource Page
— NRA Industry Blueprint for Recovery
— U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Best Practices for Retail Food Stores, Restaurants, and Food Pick-Up/Delivery Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic
— U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Best Practices for Re-Opening Retail Food Establishments During the COVID-19 Pandemic
— CDC – What Grocery and Food Retail Workers Need to Know about COVID-19
— Georgia Department of Health – Guidance for Restaurants with Dining Room Seating
Additional Free Courses & Trainings
Additional Resources
DeKalb County Chamber – Path Forward 3—Day Transition Plan
City of Chamblee – Coronavirus Resource Page
City of Tucker – Coronavirus Resource Page
City of Doraville – Coronavirus Resource Page
U.S. Travel Association Emergency Preparedness & Response Coronavirus Toolkit
U.S. Travel Association – Industry Guidance for Promoting the Health and Safety of All Travelers
U.S. Travel Association – Travel Confidently Toolkit
OSHA – Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for Covid-19
CDC – Consideration for Public Pools, Hot Tubs and Water Playgrounds
IAPPA (The Global Association for the Attractions Industry) – Reopening Guidance – Considerations for the Global Attractions Industry