LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — As businesses begin to reopen in Nevada, 13 Action News is looking at how some places are preparing to keep customers and employees safe.
Hospitality is the name of the game for the Holiday Inn Express in Henderson, but the folks who work there say it's challenging in this time of social distancing.
"We want to shake your hand. We want to hug you. We can't do that right now. So, it's definitely changed how we do business," Tiffany Evans, the general manager, said.
The usual warm welcomes are instead replaced with a commitment to health and safety for guests. Evans says she has put in place more stringent cleaning procedures.
"We are cleaning and sanitizing our lobby every two hours. For the guest rooms, we're making sure they're disinfected 24-hours before a new guest checks in," Evans said.
Breakfast is instead being given directly to guests as grab-and-go meals, with the exercise room limited to one person at a time, and pool chairs spaced six feet apart.
Space is also given for the checking in and out process at the front desk between guests and workers.
Continuing coverage of the coronavirus pandemic
"Some will shake our hands. Some will smile. Now we have a table in front of our front desk just to make sure that our guests are staying six feet apart for their safety," Evans said.
She also said the extra measures began in mid-March when the governor's stay-at-home orders came down. Evans said she had employees check their temperatures before working each day and says keeping everyone safe is her priority.
"We're in the business of hospitality. That's what we do," Evans said.
In the southwest part of town, customers are picking up their orders from Archi's Thai Bistro, as the restaurant is adjusting to the new normal during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We're doing OK with volume, but we really do miss having a full floor," owner Ronnakon Silpasubun said.
Silpasubun also said he is used to seeing his restaurant filled with customers. He will be able to welcome them back soon, though, with Gov. Sisolak allowing restaurants to accept dine-in guests.
Gov. Sisolak announces Nevada Phase 1 reopening starts May 9
The Southern Nevada Health District has given suggestions when reopening, encouraging measures like disposable utensils, and wearing face masks. The owner says he's considering them and has already put measures in place.
"Social distancing will be key, limiting party sizes. We've dispersed masks for our employees to wear," Silpasubun said.
Stringent cleaning measures are also in place, according to Silpasubun, with a lot of hand sanitizer.
"We're going to be more vigorous. We're going to make sure that surfaces are sanitized way more frequently," Silpasubun said.
Ultimately, Silpasubun hopes to see some of the seats filled with health and safety in mind.
"We'll diligently try to stay within standards and make sure everybody stays safe eating here," he said.
