Chincoteague hotels prepare for modified phased reopening
CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. – The Town of Chincoteague has modified their plans for reopening following an executive order from Governor Ralph Northam.
On Tuesday, the Town of Chincoteague emergency management team elected to reopen the Town’s accommodations using a measured approach of 25% starting May 15th.
On Thursday, the Town of Chincoteague was informed by Governor Northam’s office that he has exempted the “County of Accomack, including all towns and political subdivisions contained therein” from his planned phase one reopening in Executive Order Amended #62 until at least May 29, 2020.
As a result of the governor’s order, the Town has had to modify their reopening plan as follows:
1. Accommodations will STILL open at a 25% capacity on May 15th
2. Campgrounds will remain closed
3. Dining will remain curbside and delivery only
4. Salons, barbershops, spas, gyms, bowling alleys, and amusements will remain closed.
5. Non-essential businesses will remain closed
6. Indoor church services must comply with the 10 people in a room, 6 feet apart rule May 29th.
In the meantime, hotels have been using this downtime to rethink things like their cleaning procedures. “There’s a 72 hour period when someone checks out and when someone checks in to assist with the deep cleaning of the rooms,” says Sherry Jenkins, the regional director of sales and marketing for Pinnacle Hospitality Group.
They’re also making adjustments to many of their amenities which usually involved shared spaces. “The pool, the gym, our breakfast is to remain closed during the phase one stage. And that’s just for the guests safety. We are alternating our breakfast a little bit. We’re going to do custom grab and go bags for the guests so we’re still able to provide them with something,” says Nicole Miller, the director of sales and service at the Comfort Suites.
Miller says they decided to move forward with renovations and notice other businesses are doing the same. “One thing that has been nice to see I’ve seen a lot of spring cleaning, updating, people fixing up their businesses. Making lemonade out of the lemons we’ve been given.”
But they’re doing all they can to return to a new normal in the safest way possible. “Deciding to take a vacation and come somewhere new during this time is a little bit stressful. We’re going to do our best to make sure they’re safe, that they enjoy the experience that they have,” says Miller.
