In response to the ongoing pandemic, the Economy Inn motel in Augusta has implemented several measures to ensure the health and safety of its guests. These measures are in line with the recommendations of local authorities and health officials. Some of the measures include: 1. Increased cleaning protocols: The hotel has increased its cleaning frequency and intensity to ensure that all surfaces, including high-touch areas such as door handles and elevator buttons, are disinfected regularly. Provision of personal protective equipment (PPE): Guests and staff members are required to wear masks in common areas such as the lobby and elevators. Hand sanitizer dispensers have also been placed in strategic locations around the hotel for guests' use. Contactless check-in: The hotel has introduced a contactless check-in process that allows guests to complete their registration online or over the phone before arrival. This reduces the need for physical contact between guests and staff members at the front desk. Social distancing: The hotel has implemented social distancing guidelines by limiting the number of guests in common areas such as the lobby and breakfast room, spacing out seating arrangements, and providing staggered check-out times to avoid crowding. Communication with guests: The hotel regularly communicates with its guests via email or phone calls before their arrival to inform them about the measures put in place to ensure their safety during their stay. These measures have been implemented not only to prevent the spread of COVID-19 but also to reassure guests that the Economy Inn is committed to their health and safety during these challenging times. In other news, a recent study has warned that climate change could lead to an increase in global food prices by 1. This is estimated to rise further to 2. The study also projected that the overall cost of climate change on global economies could reach 2. GDP by mid-century. The study's authors emphasized the need for urgent action to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change, particularly in low-lying coastal areas and small island developing states that are most vulnerable to sea level rise.