In preparation for a soft reopening once officially set by the government, City of Dreams Manila has started to roll out safety and hygiene protocols even before the Metro Manila-wide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) status has been eased.
Dubbed “Play it Safe,” the campaign details the programs that are going to be undertaken and adhered to by the hotel and guests to ensure a safer environment expected in the “new normal.”
At its core is a free COVID-19 testing program for employees returning to work in a bid to regain the trust of guests. COVID-19 antibody rapid testing (RTK) conducted by accredited medical professionals will commence with those already onsite and employees who are being called in for hospitality and gaming operations.
Multiple testing booths and facilities have been set up inside the property in compliance with Department of Health (DOH) standards. Those who are cleared of coronavirus infection will immediately be housed in the property while those who will be booked in nearby hotels will be provided free shuttle service to and from the resort.
Individuals who will need further testing will immediately undergo the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test assisted by the medical partner and will be quarantined while waiting for the results.
“The well-being of our colleagues is our paramount concern, more so in these fragile times as we welcome them back to work. Doing the tests will help ensure not only their safety and good health but also that of our guests,” says City of Dreams Manila COO Kevin Benning.
“The well-being of our colleagues is our paramount concern, more so in these fragile times as we welcome them back to work. Doing the tests will help ensure not only their safety and good health but also that of our guests,” says City of Dreams Manila COO Kevin Benning.
Alongside stringent testing, reorientation and training programs, thermal screening, sanitation mats, mandatory use of face masks, and the provision of hand sanitizers in all entrances and high traffic areas are among the sanitation and prevention standards being enforced under the new normal.
Each employee reporting for work will be provided with a “health confidence kit” consisting of one disposable and two washable face masks, face wipes, gloves and hand sanitizer or alcohol, while PPEs will be worn by cleaning personnel for added protection.
Each employee reporting for work will be provided with a “health confidence kit” consisting of one disposable and two washable face masks, face wipes, gloves and hand sanitizer or alcohol, while PPEs will be worn by cleaning personnel for added protection.
Visual and social media reminders, leaflets, and videos of the new protocols—including recognizing and assisting colleagues and guests showing symptoms of infection and proper disposal of PPEs—have also been prepared for the staff. These will form part of the resort’s education program on best sanitation and hygiene practices. Guests checking in will also be provided with an amenity kit consisting of face mask, face wipes, gloves, hand sanitizer, and a flyer on sanitation and proper prevention guidelines.
Physical distancing guidelines are also being put in place in gaming areas. A maximum of three players will be allowed per table. Gaming tables and slot machines have already been reconfigured and are set apart by at least a meter. Open restaurants will only utilize 50 percent capacity while a la carte menus are being redesigned so as not to compromise the new hygiene practices; menus for takeout and delivery will also be offered.
Distance markers at front desks, elevator lobbies, entrances, and taxi lines will guide guests on proper distancing, and numerous sanitation stations have been placed in highly frequented areas to add to existing prevention measures.
To further prevent transmission in the workplace and offices, business units will be operating with limited staffing, enabling physical distancing to be strictly observed. Carpeted areas have been deeply cleaned in preparation for the reopening. Chips and hotel room key cards have also been individually sanitized. High-touch areas such as escalator railings and elevator buttons will be disinfected every 20 to 30 minutes.
“We have been consulting closely with PAGCOR, the DOH, and the Parañaque Health Office to fully comply with health standards and government guidelines, even going beyond the basic requirements whenever possible, to ensure a safe environment for the health and well-being of our guests and colleagues,” Benning adds.
“We have been consulting closely with PAGCOR, the DOH, and the Parañaque Health Office to fully comply with health standards and government guidelines, even going beyond the basic requirements whenever possible, to ensure a safe environment for the health and well-being of our guests and colleagues,” Benning adds.
City of Dreams has been temporarily closed for the duration of ECQ but during this time, it provided meals to frontliners in UP-PGH, Makati Medical Center, and San Juan de Dios Hospital. Food packs were donated to vulnerable families through the Office of the President and the city government of Parañaque.
PPEs, linens, and hygiene items were also donated to medical institutions such as East Avenue Medical Center and the National Center for Mental Health. To further support the local government, the resort has also been providing free bus shuttle services to health workers and frontliners.