Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. Here’s what we currently know:
- The main way the virus spreads is from person to person through respiratory droplets.
- You may also be able to get COVID-19 by shaking someone’s hand or touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, and then touching your face, mouth, nose, or eyes.
- The virus may be spread by people who do not have symptoms.
COVID-19 can sometimes cause serious complications. People at increased risk for severe illness include:
- Older adults.
- People of any age who have underlying medical conditions.
As a hotel, resort, and lodge employer, your workforce might come into contact with the virus when
- In close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more) with other people at the worksite, which can include guests or coworkers.
- Touching their mouth, nose or eyes after:
- Shaking someone’s hand.
- Touching surfaces in public areas such as the front desk/check-in counter and restrooms.
- Touching or handling items such as cash, pens at the front desk, room keys, key cards, or merchandise.
- Touching high-touch lobby surfaces such as tables, elevator buttons, water fountains, ATMs/card payment stations, and ice/vending machines.
- Cleaning guest rooms.