I’m reading the Scottish version of cleaning protocols just to see whether there is anything else I need to think about and I’ve come across this:
Provide helpful information for guests via email, including:
○ Guidance in case a guest shows COVID-19 symptoms;
and …
● Make sure that guests have access to appropriate guidance in the event that they develop
COVID-19 symptoms.
And I realise I have no idea what to tell guests coming to France. Has anyone come across what would be the information I need to give guests here?
This is what the Scottish booklet goes on to say …
What to do if a guest develops or arrives with COVID-19 symptoms
● If guests arrive at your property with symptoms of COVID-19 they should be advised to
return home (where possible) and/or self-isolate in accordance with current Government
guidance.
● If guests have acute breathing difficulties call 999.
● If a guest has developed symptoms during the stay at your property, they must declare it
when leaving.
● It is understood that if anyone staying in the property contracts the virus they will
immediate inform their host/manager who can inform of the next steps to be taken. Steps that should be taken on hearing of an infection:
● If the property has a communal entrance / communal stairwell, corridor etc a fully protected
housekeeper (gloves & apron) should attend as soon as possible and use disposable
materials to wipe down all door handles, entrance systems, stairwell banisters, light
switches to try and minimise risk of spread to neighbours.
● If property has main door entrance and therefore no further risk to neighbours then the
guest should just follow standard self-care methods and in addition, refrain from putting out
any rubbish. All rubbish should be double bagged and stored safely for 72 hours before
being thrown out. Alternatively, it should be placed in a suitable outdoor bin for removal.
Once a property is vacated post infection, appropriate cleaning procedures should be followed, as
per these guidelines.
I haven’t seen anything specific. We have the general health info, so number for local doctors and emergency contacts, etc. So I guess we could just amend that.
But not sure i feel comfortable asking people if they have symptoms on arrival - not very welcoming is it?
No idea, of course… but, just in case someone falls ill while staying with you… in these difficult/strange times it might be useful to have a general tick-list on arrival… unless something like that is done already, when folk enter the country…
The suggestion in the Scottish booklet is to get in touch with them by email beforehand and effectively ask for their cooperation in keeping the gite a “safe place” as far as possible and there are a series of things we would ask of them and that includes letting us know if they fall ill while they are with us. It’s the same as the suggested “guests’ charter” in the France protocol. My problem is, in this respect, I don’t know what to ask of them. But the last thing I need is for them to be quarantined in my cottage. I note the Scottish suggestion is (rather brutally) to advise them to go home! How does that work then for everyone else on the plane! (Even if they are allowed on.)
Army kit inspection by Sgt Major stella in the buff 5am… rubber gloves at the ready - Tallest on the right, shortest on the left in single file (2m apart), march!
Carry on camping will never be the same…
We sent all our clients an email saying how pleased we are to be able to welcome them, and then setting out what we are doing to keep them safe. And then asking them to respect the guidelines - so no early arrivals or late departures, mandatory cleaning fee this year (but we haven’t increased the amount for existing bookings),and to follow hygiene recommendations. Haven’t said to tell us if they are ill! But then all are clients come by car so somebody will be able to drive one hopes…
Can you imagine, standing at the door in full PPE with a digital thermometer saying “welcome to our friendly village!”
Gloves should be considered single use only, and do not replace hand hygiene.
So, if you were cleaning a property, for instance, and wanted to protect yourself you could don a clean pair of gloves at the start and remove them (and wash your hands) at the end - that way any cross-contamination from the property being cleaned to you or your normal environment is minimised. A disposable plastic apron should be worn as well.
There is no point, however, wearing gloves when shopping - it is inevitable that you will handle items - not least the shopping itself - which you will later handle without gloves. Most people I see wearing gloves in the supermarket are also touching purse, phone, handbag etc so it is just a waste of time (and gloves).
As all our clients are coming from the UK, they will be subject to confinement at both ends, so I am sure that they will keep to their plans to come next year.
But crossing an international border is just a tiny bit different than arriving at a place that is supposed to welcome you personally for a relaxing holiday. People don’t choose to go or not go across a border because of reviews about their welcome, but they do choose a gîte to book that way.
Thinking as a potential client… personally, I would not be “offended/whatever” by a simple questionnaire/ticklist… since (in my view) it would support my hopes that mine-host was doing absolutely everything to keep me safe.
I can assure you Jane that Stella is right. These are two recent replies to my initial email outlining what we will be doing for them…
“Thanks also for the reassurance that you are being so diligent with preparations - working in schools and hospitals Mark and I know only too well how important this is and you can rest assured that if we are able to come we will be equally as cautious.”
"Thank you for your thoughtful and informative email "
I think anyone preparing a gite should not be at all diffident / embarrassed to reassure guests in advance of their arrival. The first ones know us well and know what to expect, so it’s easier for them. The second lot have never been before. Why would I NOT reassure them. They don’t know me and are taking a lot on trust.
I have already said that I have been in contact with all our clients re reassurance, that is a sensible thing to do, and we have had the same positive response.
But I am specifically talking about the physical greeting. I said “Can you imagine, standing at the door in full PPE with a digital thermometer saying “welcome to our friendly village!”
As we all know now, meeting people you already know in a mask is totally fine. But if you don’t know someone then it can feel a bit distant.
Ah… perhaps you are not used to meeting people in a mask… in your daily/weekly wanderings… or whatever.
Recent visit to the Doc … us masked and with him looking like an alien in full PPE. Very different from the man we have known for 20 years and whom I would normally greet with a hug and lots of chat.
Despite the PPE etc… nothing askance or awkward … precautions are necessary in these times…
Likewise where strangers meet … surely… should be no problem if everyone understands the why’s and wherefore’s
