New Normal,
New Challenges
As the world adjusts to new travel and leisure norms, The Manila Hotel has upgraded our cleanliness protocols and upgraded our facilities using science-based measures in compliance with Department of Health standards to promote safety, comfort, and the well-being of our guests and our own people.
An inside look
Fresh Air Dampers
The Manila Hotel has always had Fresh Air Dampers (FAD) installed in a fresh air ventilation duct connected to an air intake hood and duct fan to bring in fresh air into the common areas like Café Ilang Ilang. As further studies surface about how the virus could possibly be transmitted in air-conditioned indoor settings, ventilation – fresh air coming into the building from outside – is playing a more crucial role in the mitigation of transmission.
Additional Air Micro Filters
An important part of our response to the pandemic is an immediate review of our facilities. One of the most important adaptations we have undertaken is to add more air filters. Filtration, which removes small particles from the air, goes hand in hand with ventilation in the fight against virus spread. As more fresh air is being brought into the building through the FAD, these filters ensure that the air coming in is clean and fresh.
UV-C Sanitation
Social Distancing
Airborne transmission could mean the viruses can travel even farther. Our outlets are reopening and doing so at reduced capacity to prevent crowding. We are also implementing social distancing, health and safety measures such as foot traffic to limit physical contact and ensure our guests and staff are protected. Tables and chairs have been rearranged with a 1 to 1.5m distance between each dining party. There are acrylic dividers for the tables for two as well as diagonal seating for longer tables.
Personal Protection Practices
COVID-19 is mostly spread by respiratory droplets released when people talk, cough, or sneeze. Masks alone is not enough to protect you. The virus may spread to hands from a contaminated surface and then to the nose or mouth, causing infection. Personal prevention practices such as handwashing, staying home when sick and environmental cleaning and disinfection are important principles. The Manila Hotel has updated Health and Hygiene protocols strictly being followed by our own staff.
Room Setup
Rooms are being disinfected and reduced touchpoints like newspapers and fruit bowls (upon request). Visible verification of sanitized items (e.g. glassware, remote control), reduction of in-room furnishings/high-touch items, new laundry protocols. Aggressive sanitation and cleaning steps system-wide are implemented where rooms are now sanitized much more thoroughly, using EPA-listed disinfectants and UV lights to deep-clean rooms, regular cleaning of aircon filters and systems, and high-temperature linen laundering to ensure greater safety. In addition, our hotel staff are thoroughly trained in the new safety protocols.
Staff Protection
Personal protective equipment for hotel staff, including masks and gloves, to safeguard guests and employees. Daily health screening, including temperature checks for staff, as well as frequent sanitization of all common areas, thorough re-training on proper hygiene, and best practices including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). We also use mandatory face shields especially for front-facing staff. The housekeeping staff is also required to use full PPE when cleaning and sanitizing rooms.
Other Facilities
Health and wellness centers like swimming pools, saunas, and spa are still closed, as direct-touch treatment is prohibited by safety guidelines.
The Manila Hotel will reopen with enhanced safety measures—temperature screenings, social distancing markets, attendants to wipe down all equipment with disinfectants after each use, and health declaration forms for guests to ensure better safety.
Our enhanced hygiene and sanitation program is an all-encompassing attempt to ensure that we align our protocols, hotel procedures, processes and hotel operations to instill a heightened sense of safety, security, comfort and consistency in our guests who will come to our hotel as we re-emerge from this pandemic and embrace the new normal.
Communications
On-property signage and decals reiterating social distancing guidelines, personal sanitation guidelines and the importance of surface cleaning.
Communications from front desk staff to guests about precautions taken for their safety and comfort, and reminders about additional safeguards available at guests’ choosing.
Additional Reading:
- Health Europa: COVID-19: UV radiation and infection control
- UNICEF: Everything you need to know about washing your hands to protect against coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Department of Health (DOH) Memorandum 2020-0167: Interim Guidelines on Enhancing the Infection Prevention and Control Measures through Engineering and Environmental Controls in All Health Facilities and Temporary Treatment_and Monitoring Facilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic
You are safe here
The Manila Hotel has set a high standard of safety and hygiene because we truly care for your safety and our employees. We’ve reworked every single aspect of our trademark service, crafted new and evolving safety policies, augmented our already rigorous housekeeping practices, trained our personnel to learn new safe work habits and invested in medical-grade environmental sanitation devices. All these will be making sure we don’t compromise on value and real results.
The Manila Hotel Story
There are hundreds (probably thousands) of things to do in Manila. Whether it’s a business trip, a getaway, or a mid-week vacation–we’ve got you covered with our list below. Dive in, the City of Manila’s attractions are waiting for you!
