This COVID-19 policy and risk assessment document has been produced for the protection and safety of staff and guests whilst residing or staying at Martel Guest House. The procedures and information within this document has been produced in line with current UK Government guidelines for COVD-19. More information on COVD-19 can be found on the official government website www.gov.uk/coronavirus

All procedures and information detailed within this policy and risk assessment have been implemented with immediate effect as of 1st July 2020. The procedures and content of this policy and risk assessment may change in future alongside any future UK Government guideline amendments or updates.



Social Distancing


The social distancing measures set out below must be practiced at all times. The below measures are in place for the safety, protection and welfare of all guests and staff.


Reception Area / Stairs & Hallways

Only one guest permitted in the reception area at one time.

Guests are advised and requested to stay in their own room or return to their own room if stairs or hallways are in use by another guest. Once the other guest has vacated the area then you should then proceed to use the stairs or hallway when clear.


Outside Areas - Car Park

Guests are required to stay inside their own vehicle or practice a 2 meter social distancing if another guest is in the car park area at the same time.


Breakfast Room

At present breakfast is not being served due to the 2 metre distancing rule so the Breakfast Room is closed to guests.

The Breakfast Room will open as soon as government distancing laws etc. allow us to open it



Guest Procedures


The guest procedures below have been implemented with immediate effect for the safety, protection and welfare of all guests and staff staying at Martel Guest House.


Pre Arrival

All guests will be requested and encouraged to read our COVD-19 policy and risk assessment on our website www.martelguesthouse.co.uk/covid19.html

Any guest concerns or questions regarding our COVD-19 policy and risk assessment should be sent via email.


Guest Arrival and Reception

We now operate a contactless check-in and check-out policy.

All guests are sent electronically a Pre Arrival Registration Form to fill in and return.

Approximate arrival times are obtained.

Keys are left in envelopes with the guest’s name on so they can self check-in.

All Guests are responsible for moving and handling their own luggage. No staff or other guests are permitted to handle luggage at any time.

A Hand Sanitiser Dispenser Dispenser is mounted on the wall near the entrance. All guests are encouraged to use it as often as possible.

No leaflets, brochures or complimentary items will be available from the reception area. These are available on request.

Front door bell, door handles, frame work and hard surfaces to be cleaned regularly.


Guest Rooms

No members of staff can enter a guest room whilst a guest is present in the room. Guests must leave the room for any staff member to attend.

There will not be daily room servicing during a guest stay. Guests requiring clean towels can notify staff. The towels will be provided in a bag. The dirty towels should be put into the same bag, sealed or tied up and left outside the bedroom door for staff collection.

Hospitality tray replenishments will be provided in a clear plastic bag and hung on the room door handle.


Guest Departure

Guests are requested to give an approximate time of departure by the evening before their departure day.

All Guests are responsible for moving and handling their own luggage. No staff or other guests are permitted to handle luggage at any time.


Guest Payments

Where possible Guests will pre-pay via internet booking.

Preferred method of payment is by card machine.

Cash is not preferred.


Cleaning and Housekeeping


The cleaning and housekeeping procedures below have been implemented with immediate effect for the safety, protection and welfare of all guests and staff staying at Martel Guest House.


Reception Area / Stairs & Hallways

A Hand Sanitiser Dispenser is mounted on the wall in by the entrance. All guests and staff are encouraged to use as often as possible.

All door handles, light switches, rails and hard surfaces to be wiped with clinical wipes as necessary.

All staff to wash hands as regularly as possible for at least 20 seconds.


Guest Rooms

No guest rooms will be cleaned until guest has fully departed

On guest departure all rooms will undergo a deep clean. This includes sanitising the bathroom, light switches, sockets, handles, drawers, wardrobes, keys and remote controls.

All cups, saucers and cutlery to be dishwasher cleaned on 95 degree wash program.

All rubbish to be double bagged and taken straight to the outside refuge area and disposed of.


Kitchen

All work surfaces and including cooker, microwave, fridge, draw and cupboard handles to be cleaned during and after use of the kitchen.

All kitchen utensils to be regularly cleaned and sterilised during service. Then washed in the dishwasher on high temperature wash.

Kitchen floor mopped with 'Flash‘.

Only staff permitted into the kitchen to prevent any contamination.


Laundry

All laundry bagged immediately after removal from the bed.

All laundry to be contained in laundry room until collected with door closed at all times.

All laundry is collected, professionally cleaned, and clean laundry delivered each week.


Staff Procedures


Staff procedures below have been implemented with immediate effect for the safety, protection and welfare of all guests and staff staying at Martel Guest House.

Staff to be reminded on a daily basis of the importance of social distancing in the workplace.

Staff to be reminded that wearing of gloves is not a substitute for good hand washing.

Staff to wash hands as regularly as possible for at least 20 seconds.

All staff to practice 2 metre social distancing where possible.

Staff PPE

Staff PPE procedures below have been implemented with immediate effect for the safety, protection and welfare of all guests and staff staying at Martel Guest House.

All PPE has been procured in accordance with UK Government & PHE guide lines.

The following PPE will be worn by all staff members when in contact with guests:

Face masks

Disposable gloves

Areas in which the above PPE will be worn:

Whenever near a guest.

Attending guest room for an issue or enquiry.

Cleaning guest room after departure.

Whilst collecting and doing laundry.

All staff have read and understand the Martel Guest House Policy and Risk Assessment.

All staff have read and understand UK government COVID-19 guidelines.


Guest(s) who show signs of Coronavirus during their stay


If a guest has symptoms of COVID-19 or is asymptomatic but declares the need to self-isolate, the guest will be advised to check out and return home to self-isolate according to current UK Government guidance. If the guest shows acute symptoms, has breathing difficulties or their life is at potential risk, seek medical help immediately.

Where a guest is UNABLE to check out, then the following guidelines must be followed:

The guest must stay in their room and not visit any public spaces

Arrangements should be made for meals / food to be provided to the room by the use of local food delivery services. Food should be served with disposable plates and cutlery.

Arrangements should be made to ensure the guests are able to make requests for service or assistance remotely (e.g. via telephone or text).

No cleaning or housekeeping services during the stay. Any room amenities to be left outside the room door and the guest immediately informed.

The guest may not have any visitors except for medical personnel only.

Guests should contact staff prior to check out & departure to provide an update on their condition

If the fire alarm sounds, normal evacuation procedures should be followed, but the guest is to be isolated from other guests at the assembly point.

PPE should be used whenever staff come in contact with an item that the guest has handled.

Where a guest stay is extended beyond original booking, guests will be required to cover the cost of all additional nights stayed plus any costs incurred by Martel Guest House to relocate any other guests.

Bedrooms after a suspected contamination - DO NOT allow anyone to enter the room for 72 hours to significantly reduce the risk of the virus surviving on surfaces including soft furnishings which can’t be disinfected easily. If you do this, current UK Government guidance is that you can follow normal room cleaning regimes, as detailed above.

Prepared by Phil Martel on 1st July 2020 and amended on 2nd August 2020.