The World Has Changed: Our Response To CoVid-19
As we all know, the world is a vastly different place than it was just a few short months ago. As a result, the way we will travel for the foreseeable future will also require changes.
In response to the current health crisis, Engadine, like so many other places, is recreating the lodging experience our guests will encounter, all in the effort to keep visitors and employees safe. With that as our goal, we thought we would share with you what you can expect.
Our efforts mirror those being adopted by the Asheville Bed and Breakfast Association, of which we are a member…
The Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association has a reputation for hospitality above and beyond the standards set by other accommodations. With the advent of COVID-19, we have developed enhanced standards for safety and cleanliness with guidance from public health authorities including the CDC.
Key Initiatives
In accordance with Phase 2 Buncombe County StaySafe Stay Smart Order through June 26, we adopt these 3 principles to protect our guests and employees.
- Wash Your Hands or Use Hand Sanitizer
- Stay 6 feet away from Others
- Wear a Cloth Face Covering is required in commercial establishments
The Health of Guests and Employees
Frequent washing hands with soap and water is required of employees and encouraged of guests.
- Employees shall wash their hands for at least 20 seconds, or use sanitizer when a sink is not available, after any of the following activities: using the restroom, sneezing, touching the face, cleaning, smoking, eating, drinking, accepting items from a guest, taking a break, and before a shift and as needed throughout the shift per CDC guidelines.
- In the absence of sinks, hand sanitizer with no less than 60% alcohol content should be widely and readily available to staff and guests including at breakfast service.
- All employees shall be provided with appropriate PPE for their use while on property. Training shall be conducted including proper use and disposal of PPE.
Staff shall rapidly address any presumed or confirmed cases of COVID-19 and report to local health officials to contain community spread.
- Employees exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 shall remain or return home. While at work, employees who notice a co-worker or guest exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 shall immediately contact a manager who will follow CDC recommendations.
- Well-being checks of employees should be conducted daily at the beginning of each shift.
Cleanliness
All properties will follow CDC guidelines “Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility” including the use of EPA-approved disinfectants.
- Public spaces should be cleaned and disinfected frequently including high touch surfaces such as desks, door handles, stair rails, and elevator buttons.
- Guest rooms should be cleaned and disinfected between guest stays. Per Buncombe County order, all lodging establishments must wait 24 hours after a room becomes vacant before cleaning and disinfection. Particular attention should be paid to high touch surfaces such as light switches, door handles, remote controls, alarms clocks, etc.
- Each property should convey their daily housekeeping schedule to guests.
- Linens and towels should be laundered at the warmest water setting and dried thoroughly per manufacturer’s instructions. Dirty laundry should be handled such that excess contact is eliminated during transport.
- In the event of a presumptive or confirmed case of COVID-19, the guest room should be removed from service and quarantined until undergoing enhanced cleaning and disinfecting utilizing EPA approved products and CDC guidelines.
Physical Distancing
Guests and staff should all practice physical distancing per CDC guidelines, maintaining 6 feet of separation between themselves and others not in their party.
- Self check-in/out is preferred. If guests prefer to meet the innkeeper, please wear cloth face coverings..
- Contactless payment technologies should be employed.
- Guests and staff should follow social distancing when using common areas of the inns.
- Occupancy for properties with more than 10 units is limited to 50% (up to 10 units.)
Food and Beverage
Breakfast service, as well as other dining options, should adapt to reduce in-person contact with guests.
- Arrangement of tables and seating should adhere to at least 6 feet of separation.
- Permit no more than 50% of maximum occupancy as stated in fire capacity (or in absence of fire code number, maximum 12 people per 1,000 sq ft.)
- Each property should convey its breakfast service options to guests.
- Staff should wear cloth face coverings while serving food as 6 feet minimum distance cannot be maintained.
- Tables, trays, condiment holders, and all high touch areas should be disinfected between use and frequently throughout the day.
- Avoid self-serve food and drink options such as buffets and drink stands.
- Use single use/disposable linens. If using cloth linens, launder and sanitize cloth linens after each guest.
Disclaimer
The Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association (ABBA) is a 501(c)(6) trade association representing the Asheville bed & breakfast industry. ABBA has developed these guidelines, seeking voluntary participation by ABBA inn. ABBA makes no warranties with respect to the ultimate effectiveness of the guidelines and assumes no responsibility for assuring compliance by any of the B&B with such guidelines.
