Dear WH&LA Lodging Member:
Yesterday DATCP (WI. Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection) Division of Food & Recreational Safety released two new Guidances on best practices now that the state Orders have been lifted:
- Recommendations for Lodging Establishments during COVID-19
- Recommendations for Reopening Restaurants, Retail Food Businesses
Similar to the previously released WEDC Guidances issued before the Orders were lifted, DATCP’s documents are guidances/recommendations – not mandates, and have been summarized as best practices. We have compared the DATCP Lodging guidance to the WEDC Guidance for Lodging and in general have found the DATCP version more flexible as outlined below. It may be wise to retain this document, should you ever find it helpful to demonstrate your efforts to provide a COVID-safe property for your guests and employees.
DATCP’s Lodging Establishments Recommendations Document
The following are the components that provide more flexibility than the WEDC Lodging Guidance:
- There is no recommendation to “schedule gaps in the use of rooms of at least 24 hours”
- There are no required maximum number of people for programmed events, although social distancing must still be maintained
- Mini-bars in rooms are allowed, however they must be sanitized in between guests
- Food seating is allowed, with social distancing
- Fitness areas may be open, but operated at a capacity that encourages social distancing. If this is not possible, then they should be closed.
- Sanitizing wipes should be discarded after use, but it does not require they can only be used on one surface before discarding.
- For tourism rooming houses, private gatherings of any number of people outside of those from a single household/living unit should be discouraged (versus prohibited).
As a reminder, if you are in an area with a Local Order in effect that is more stringent, you may need to abide by it. There are still some concerns on local Health or county Orders, even after the Attorney General’s opinion saying most are lawful as long as they do not have criminal penalties for non-compliance, however unless a court or specific state advisory comes out stating otherwise, it is wise to follow the Order.
This week OSHA released their Revised Enforcement Guidance for Recording Cases of COVID-19, which is outlined in a
May 21 Michael Best Alert
. Here is also a direct link to the
OSHA Memo
, which goes into effect on May 26.
Have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend.
Trisha
