Scientists, medical teams and researchers are learning more and more about the Omicron variant of coronavirus. Since it was first discovered less than a month ago, the new strain has already become dominant and has spread quickly across much of the world. “We know that Omicron has the potential to increase transmission rates as seen in many countries where the daily rate has been double. On a positive note and despite early fears that the new variant would be dominant, there seems to be suggested medical evidence to advise that it causes a less severe case of COVID-19 as compared to other variants,”says Salim Ali Al-Harthy, General Manager, Oman Airports.
A third booster shot to the two already administered as part of the initial vaccine protocol provides very high immunization against the new coming variant. The message here would be that we collectively need to ensure that we get as enough protection as possible.
Authorities raised awareness to enhance public health measures that assist in slowing the spread of coronavirus and its variants. We know that social distancing helps stop the transmission of the virus. Masks too are essential in the fight, so is the practice of washing hands regularly and practicing simple steps like keeping rooms well ventilated. Many have been advised to avoid large gatherings or work from home where possible in many nations. These have been effective and allowed for a return to something like normalcy. They are our best defense still, and can be twisted to ward off new strains.
It’s important to note that the World Health Organization set a goal of having more than 40 per cent of the world’s population vaccinated by the end of 2021. However, there is still resistance in many people in many places in the world, also some countries still have shortage in the vaccine distribution.. In our part of the world, Countries are in continuous assessment of the countermeasures taken to suppress the spread and to protect the public.
A hotel’s perspective
One of the Fairmont Ajman’s highest priorities is the continued health, safety and security of its
guests, team members, and business partners. The hotel has conducted a thorough review of all existing health and safety processes and intensified hygiene and prevention measures and worked with their team of experts to develop and validate additional cleanliness protocols that are in line with Accor ALLSAFE label verified by Clifton.
Infection control against Omicron
“Fairmont Ajman, we are committed to delivering a clean and safe environment for our guests and team members. The world has been fundamentally changed by COVID-19 so it is key that we strive to protect all who work, stay and partner with us as we reopen our doors to a new era of travel. Our goal is to ensure that maximum hygiene standards are met, to protect guests as well as Fairmont Ajman team members,” says Deepu Kundra, Executive Housekeeper, Fairmont Ajman. With the introduction of new variants, the job responsibility of housekeepers has become more critical and special attention to details to be followed by each and every member in the team to overcome and combat the spread of virus. In our hotel there are various processes that have been met to reduce the spread of virus such as:
- Strengthened room cleaning protocols including disinfection of rooms & public spaces on regular basis with ULV fogging machines
- Steam cleaning of soft furnishings & carpets
- Washing of Linen and laundry at the specified approved Linen wash temperatures
- Blocking of rooms for deep cleaning and sanitization on regular basis
- Usage of only government approved Diversey chemicals for cleaning of surfaces and high touch areas.
- Safety protocol / Regular medical checkups for all colleagues and outsource workers working in the Hotel premises.
- Improvised general cleaning method for both back of the house and front of the house area.
- Streamlined the process of waste disposal especially gloves, aprons, mask, PPE kits etc.
- All frontline staff are given comprehensive classroom and shop floor safety and hygiene training on a regular basis.
Cleaning and disinfection schedule
Deepu uses ULV fogging machines for sterilization of front of the house and back of the house at regular intervals.
All high touch areas e.g. elevator buttons, handrails, door handles, public area washrooms, sun loungers, and furniture are sanitized on a regular basis with approved Diversey chemicals. Good hand hygiene practices are encouraged for all guests, colleagues and visitors in the premises.
Steam cleaning of soft surfaces such as upholstery and carpets is done regularly. Blocking of rooms for deep cleaning of all soft and hard surfaces and deep sanitization is also a much needed practice. In addition to this, there is a proper waste disposal policy in place. Washing of all bed and bath linen at the approved specified wash temperature and with approved Diversey washing chemicals is done routinely and all non-disposables are cleaned and disinfected after use.
In case of any suspected case in the hotel, the government authorities are immediately notified.
“In the near future we want to introduce airocide, an air purifier machine, which eliminates airborne allergens and bacteria in closed spaces such as restaurants and bars,” says Deepu.
“Today, "Infection Control" has become the norm in our daily operations to ensure that the hotel is safe and that our guests, colleagues, and other stakeholders are provided with a clean and comfortable environment. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Accor group, a global leader in hospitality, introduced the most stringent international cleaning standards and operational protocols in what is known as ALLSAFE. Bureau Veritas, a leader in inspections and certifications, developed and vetted these standards. Every industry suffers from the devastating effects of infectious disease outbreaks or health threats to its customers. Prevention of infection outbreaks is crucial in the hospitality industry. Customer loyalty is largely determined by the cleanliness of a hotel. Hotel options that offer a clean environment are more likely to be preferred by travelers. The quality of a hotels cleaning standards is one of the most important factors that customers consider. Occasionally, negative experiences with hotel cleanliness have led people to be concerned about the quality of the hotel cleaning they may receive before and during their stay,”says Suman Basu, Executive Housekeeper, Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach.
Infection control measures
“Now that "Omicron" is on the horizon, the most important emphasis we have is to make sure our colleagues and guests are always using personal protective equipment (PPE),” he adds.
An enhanced Room and Public Areas cleaning program using hospital grade chemicals and disinfectants is a standard for daily cleaning in all Accor Hotels. Focus on disinfection of the most common 12 high touchpoints in guest rooms and public areas, periodically check guest rooms by an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) machine to ensure areas are correctly clean and disinfected. In addition, post-cleaning guest room inspections plays an important role, which is accomplished by using a UV light torch to check every guest room area, which ensures the room inspector checks for complete quality inspections of guest rooms.
Daily sterilization to disinfect the public spaces of F&B outlets, meeting rooms, the lobby, executive lounge is carried out at regular intervals to ensure a hygienic and sanitized environment around the hotel premises. Besides daily cleaning and sanitizing of rooms and public areas, deep cleaning of said areas is done at regular intervals, including the shampooing of upholstery and carpets.
A higher temperature wash cycle (as recommended by WHO) is being used to ensure total disinfection of the linens from the guest rooms.
To prevent contamination, Suman ensures proper procedures are followed when collecting guest laundry. Staff is properly suited with the right PPE when picking up guest laundry. Nothing is left to chance.
Plans implemented to manage the new variant
“In our fight against the Covid 19 pandemic, especially the Omicron variant, we must continue to follow the ALLSAFE standards for "Infection Control" in terms of cleanliness, hygiene, disinfection, maintaining proper social distancing, and isolating as necessary. This is our highest priority at the moment for ALL of our health & safety,” he concludes.
A shopping mall’s perspective
Infection control is the responsibility of everyone at this point in the COVID-19 pandemic, including shopping malls. Dalma Mall takes pride in being a socially responsible organization and infection control & prevention is a primary focus of its efforts to create a safe and healthy shopping environment for its shoppers.
To reach this objective, the mall has developed an environmental infection-control guideline that reviews and reaffirms strategies for the prevention of environmentally mediated infections, especially COVID-19.
Infection control measures
Dalma Mall currently has the following Covid-19 prevention measures in place:
- All entrances have mandatory hand sanitizer dispensers and thermal screening provisions
- Mall retail staff receives PCR tests on a regular schedule (Twice a month)
- Retail staff are provided with the opportunity to get vaccinated and receive booster shots
- Visitors to the mall must be asymptomatic
- All individuals entering the mall for commerce or work are required to be wearing mask at all times inside the mall
- Posters/Standees/AV media on preventative measures for COVID-19 are posted prominently.
- Crowd management is maintained in the mall, the parking lots, and everywhere on the premises
- Entryways and exits are separated for goods, workers, and visitors.
- Home deliveries are thermally screened prior to their being allowed
- Retailers take special precautions while handling goods, inventories, and supplies.
- Physical distancing is maintained at a minimum of 1-2 meters during queuing for entrance to the mall.
- Customer levels in shops are kept within acceptable levels, and below the permitted occupancy level
- Mall seating is made to enforce social distancing
- Using alternating steps on the escalators is encouraged
- Ventilation and AC follow CPWD guidelines with AC being maintained between 22-24c, with a relative humidity of 40-70%. Fresh air is circulated in as much as possible, and adequate cross ventilation is maintained.
- Effect sanitation is done frequently within the premises with a focus on drinking, hand washing stations and hygiene areas.
- Regular cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces is mandatory in all common areas, escalators, inside shops, elevators.
- Masks, gloves, and face covers are all properly disposed of throughout the mall.
- All washrooms are deep cleaned on a regular basis
.Valet parking staff wear gloves and masks at all times. Steering wheels, door handles, keys, etc are properly disinfected
Special points for Food Court, Cinema, Children Play Area:
- Adequate crowd and queue management to ensure social distancing norms.
- In food courts and restaurants, Capacity is limited to under 80%
- Food court staff / waiters are required to wear mask and hand gloves and take other required precautionary measures.
- The seating arrangement is made to ensure adequate social distancing.
- Contactless mode of ordering and digital mode of payment encouraged.
- Tables are sanitized after each time a customer uses them.
- Regular disinfection in children play areas .
- Cinema halls are cleaned and disinfected regularly
In case of a suspect or confirmed case in the premises:
- Infected individual is placed in an isolation room to prevent contact with others
- A good quality mask is given to the individual until they're seen by a doctor
- The closest medical facility or state/district helpline is contacted which is located on First floor of the mall
- A full risk assessment is performed by the designated public health authority so further action can be taken as appropriate to the case.
- Shops and premises the visitor stopped at are fully disinfected.
“Since the new COVID-19 variant Omicron has been spreading quickly around the world, we have implemented stringent cleaning, sterilization and disinfection schedules in common areas of the mall. Food courts, children play areas, and all other frequently visited areas. The FM team has also increased their hours to ensure that the HVAC, ventilation, and heating systems remain properly maintained and within suggested parameters. The outdoor air-exchange has been increased to maximize the HVAC System settings using high-efficiency filters compatible with our system,” says Eng. Mohamed Al Hilaly, Sr. Operations Manager, Dalma Mall , Abu Dhabi
“We've been constantly liaising with healthcare organizations and local authorities and follow international agencies closely to better understand more about the new variants and recommended methodologies for containing the risks. Accordingly, we frequently review the measures mentioned above to ensure that best practices are being followed to help control and prevent the threat of spreading COVID-19 & its associated new variants,” he adds.
As Omicron spreads takes the world by the storm, here is yet another reminder to be cautious and reinforce infection control on a regular basis.