Universal Implementing Mandatory Temperature Check for Team Members
Despite the fact that Universal Orlando is still closed to guests, Universal has decided to start implementing mandatory temperature checks for team and business vendors who come to resort property and off-site locations to ensure the safety of all team members.
In a message from Tom Williams, Chairman & CEO of Universal Parks & Resorts, on April 30, 2020, it was announced that temperature checks for team members in Orlando and Hollywood would begin soon. However, Bill Davis, President & COO of Universal Orlando Resort, followed up shortly after the message from Williams stating that Universal Orlando would begin its temperature checks on Friday, May 1. Those who have a temperature exceeding 99.9 degrees will not be permitted on property, as well as Universal’s off-site locations, and must wait 72 hours before attempting to return.
Universal has also updated safety reminders for team members. Before traveling to property, Universal asks that their team members assess any symptoms, including a temperature check. Per CDC guidelines, temperature checks should happen at least 30 minutes after eating, drinking, or exercising, and at least 6 hours after taking medicines that can lower temperature. Universal is advising team members that regardless of temperature, if they are not feeling well or having any symptoms, including mild cold symptoms, that they should not come on to property.
Before team members can go through security checkpoints, screeners will use infrared contactless digital thermometers to check temperatures are not above 99.9°F. Temperature checks will take place in-vehicle for team members arriving to TeamPark, Gate 3, Gate 7, Gate 10, and the CityWalk Parking Garage. After passing the temperature check, team members will receive a colored paper showing they passed, and they will proceed to park. Once they hit their gate or security checkpoint with metal detection, they will turn in their paper pass. Temperature checks for other locations will take place outside of building entrances or security checkpoints while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Once on property, Universal is asking for team members to maintain at least 6 feet of distance, limit gatherings to 10 people or less, and limit contact to less than 10 minutes, along with other social distancing guidelines. As for face masks, Universal is recommending team members voluntarily continue to wear face masks if they are concerned about social distancing, and team members can obtain a mask on-site if they don’t have their own. Universal also reminds team members that gloves are not recommended unless they are issued as part of wardrobe.
As of this time, these guidelines and protocols are ONLY for team members showing up to work at Universal Orlando on-site and off-site property. No further information about the theme parks reopening or guest safety protocol has been released at this time.
