The 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa and Basin Park Hotel have announced that in light of the dramatic increase in Covid cases in Carroll County and Arkansas, they returned to protocols on July 19 that include requirements for masks for guests and employees, social distancing and enhanced cleaning techniques. Only employees and overnight guests will be allowed at the properties.
Mask and sanitation stations have been re-installed at the hotel entranceways as well as Covid warning signs. A press release said masks are required indoors for managers and supervisors, employees in high contact areas, front desk and bellmen, spa employees, ghost tour guides, resort hosts and shuttle drivers. Masks are required for guests in the spa, shuttle, morgue and any indoor area that has ten or more gatherings for more than 15 minutes.
There will be no tram tours and no public restrooms.
The hotels will be hosting a vaccination clinic for new employees on Monday, July 26. Covid protocol modifications will remain in effect until at least August 4 when the situation will be re-assessed.
Randy Wolfinbarger, general manager of the Best Western Inn of the Ozarks, said they haven’t stopped the Covid-19 protocols they have had throughout the pandemic. Those include all frontline hotel and restaurant staff wearing masks, social distancing for customers at Myrtie Mae’s, and enhanced sanitation. Rooms are not being entered until the departure of the guests.
Wolfinbarger said he was concerned that the relaxation of Covid-19 precautions could lead to another surge in cases, and that is what has happened.
“Not everyone is getting their vaccinations,” Wolfinbarger said. “We want to do everything we can to be safe to protect and guests and workers, and so we don’t have another lockdown.”