Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1292971
I N T H E N E W S B M & T ••• September/October 2020 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 6 AIRLINE DISRUPTIONS EXPECTED, CAUTIONS U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS TOURISM COMMISSIONER The United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism is advising the traveling public that while the Territory's airports are open during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, passengers traveling to and from the destination may experience disruptions in airline services. Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte affirmed that authority to close the Territory's ports falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government, and that adjustments in flight schedules and passenger itiner- aries are at the discretion of each airline, and in accordance with federal travel advisories. Cancellations and schedule reductions to the Territory have been announced by major carriers, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Spirit Airlines and United Airlines. Travelers are advised to contact the airlines directly for the most current information. The Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands is strongly encouraging all persons considering leisure travel to the Territory to remain at home and follow the prevention measures recommended by public health experts. The Department of Health is beginning health screening of passengers at the Territory's airports upon arrival, and some travelers may be requested to self-quarantine and/or take the COVID-19 test. Commissioner Boschulte reminded travelers that these measures are in effect to help stop the spread of COVID-19 globally, and more specifically, to the Territory. He thanked everyone for their interest and expressions of support throughout the crisis. For current industry information about the U.S. Virgin Islands, visit www.usviupdate.com . LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER RECEIVES GOLD STAR ACCREDITATION BY WORLD'S LEADING CLEANING INDUSTRY TRADE ASSOCIATION GBAC STAR™ is the Industry's Only Outbreak Prevention, Response and Recovery Accreditation The Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) was awarded the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR facility accreditation by ISSA: The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association, the world's leading trade association for the cleaning industry. Considered the gold standard for safe facil- ities, the GBAC program was designed to control the risks associated with infectious agents, including the virus responsible for COVID-19. The LVCC was the first facility in Nevada to receive the accreditation. ISSA introduced the GBAC STAR™ accreditation pro- gram earlier this year as the industry's only outbreak preven- tion, response and recovery accreditation. To achieve GBAC STAR accreditation, the LVCC was required to demonstrate compliance with the program's 20 elements, which range from standard operating procedures and risk assessment strategies to personal protective equipment and emergency preparedness and response measures. "We are honored to receive this prestigious accredita- tion, which demonstrates our commitment to health and safety as we work toward reopening our doors," says Brian Yost, chief operating officer of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). "While this has been a challenging time, the meetings and conventions industry in Las Vegas is resilient. This is a sig- nificant first step toward ensuring the safety of our operations in this new environment." The LVCC is among a growing group of convention centers, arenas, and public venues in the nation to achieve accreditation, ensuring that employ- ees are trained with best work practices, protocols, procedures and systems for biorisk prevention and containment. The GBAC STAR accreditation is also ideal for facilities such as offices, restaurants, hotels, airports, stadiums and other public venues of all sizes. "Accreditation empowers facility owners and managers to assure workers, customers, and key stakeholders that they have proven systems in place to deliver clean and healthy environments that are safe for business" said Patricia Olinger, executive director of the Global Biorisk Advisory Council. The LVCVA also developed a comprehensive plan for a new system of cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention. The plan was devel- oped in collaboration with health officials and key stakeholders after extensive, thoughtful research on health and safety protocols and industry best prac- tices.