Greetings from the Orlando Airport Marriott Lakeside!
I am down here making preparations for your arrival in just over two weeks. As part of our meetings with the hotel, we have been speaking with the general manager of the hotel, Mete Baykal, about the Marriott’s response to infection concerns over COVID-19. I share with you his response here:
We are currently closely monitoring the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization’s statements regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and following guidelines from these agencies as well as the local health department. The wellbeing of our guests and associates is of paramount importance. Operationally, we are reinforcing recommended measures on appropriate hygiene standards by Marriott International and following the guidelines of the CDC, the WHO, and local health authorities. Additionally, we make sure our associates understand the importance of frequent hand washing and they have been re-trained on using appropriate chemicals to sanitize our guestrooms, public areas, and the back of the house.
As of today, there is not a product made available which is designated to eliminate Coronavirus; therefore, we are currently using Ecolab Peroxide Multi Surface Cleaner and Disinfectant per Marriott International standards. According to the manufacturer, this product kills Norovirus, Influenza A and B virus, Salmonella enterica, MRSA among other organisms and is widely accepted by most establishments. This applies to the sleeping rooms as well.
I have also observed new sanitation stations at the lobby entrances, and the GM informs me these contain ethyl and isopropyl alcohol, in line with the latest CDC recommendations. The hotel is in the process of acquiring more of these stations. IAFA intends to supplement these stations with additional supplies for session rooms.
The CDC’s guidance for COVID-19 is here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/risk-assessment.html
Please feel free to reach out to me with any concerns.
Jeri Zulli
Conference Director
iafa.confchair [at] fantastic-arts.org