Social distancing has become a norm in today's COVID-19 world and hotels need to re-evaluate and update their SOPs to adapt to this change. HVS has prepared this document to help hoteliers in the planning process regarding the formulation of SOPs on how to operate their hotels once the lockdown has been lifted. We strongly recommend that hotels always follow the guidelines provided by the Health Department and the state and central Government, including guidelines on maintaining records etc. based on local authority requirements, to formulate their SOPs.

The first step is to make a Guest Booklet or Communication methodology to be handed over to the Guests at their first touch point, so that they are very clear on what is expected of them for their own safety and also the mandatory requirements as per the health authorities. Identify and set-up a Safety Team with a Leader, who will be responsible to ensure that all measures are being implemented and recorded. Ensure that you conduct a detailed workshop for Associates, maintaining Social Distancing. You should have a 'Crisis Management' documented plan in place and methodology of reporting any issues that arise in the hotel. A quarantine policy, if required, for the Associates should be clearly defined. Also, have procedures of reporting any suspected cases or possible issues to the Safety Team. We have divided this report into two parts which cover the Front & the Heart of the house under various groups.

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