New initiative aims to ensure a safe reopening of Rochester's hospitality industry
A consortium of local organizations have launched “Rochester Ready Safe,” a new initiative aimed at encouraging businesses to implement safety and sanitation measures in order to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission.
The initiative — a partnership between the City of Rochester, Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency, Experience Rochester, Mayo Clinic, Olmsted County and the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce — asks restaurants, retailers and lodging properties to sign a pledge to meet standards related to physical distancing, cleaning and sanitation, building and ventilation controls, and contact tracing.
Signing on to the pledge also means requiring employees to wear cloth face masks. Patrons, meanwhile, are encouraged — but not required — to adhere to the face covering requirement.
City leaders say the goal of the program is to instill confidence in residents, visitors and patients so they feel safe navigating local businesses.
“It is important that Rochester businesses, residents, and visitors develop a shared commitment to minimizing the spread of COVID-19,” Rochester Mayor Kim Norton said in a written statement. “Businesses that sign the Rochester Ready Pledge demonstrate their desire to provide a safe environment for residents and visitors to our community.”
Businesses that join the initiative will be provided with branded materials, including posters (in multiple languages) and window clings. They will also be promoted by Mayo and featured on the website, rochesterready.com.
