While local accommodation units do not have orders for closing, life goes on, but it’s necessary to adapt to the circumstances and unknowns of the new coronavirus, with more or less guests – preliminary data point to a 30% drop in a month. The Directorate-General of Health (DGS) published a document, also released by Turismo de Portugal, with official guidelines so that hotels and other tourist accommodations can guarantee the safety and health of guests and workers.
CLEANING TEAM
People who handle bed linen and preform room cleaning of a suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus, don’t take unnecessary risks, as long as they comply with the recommended protective measures and ensure control of exposure to the risk of transmission. However, the risk of transmission can nevertheless be real in the event of an accident or if the recommended protective measures are not fully complied with.
It is imperative to ensure the appropriate Individual protection equipment (IPE):
- dispensers of alcohol-based antiseptic solution (SABA) or alcohol-based solution,
- single-use cleaning materials, especially cleaning cloths, single-use cleaning wipes moistened with disinfectant, bleach and 70⁰ alcohol
- respiratory protection mask type FFP2
- eye protection glasses
- gown or plastic apron over the uniform
- disposable nitrile gloves
BED LINEN CHANGE
Since the act of changing bedding generates aerosols, it’s advised to wait a certain amount of time before proceeding to cleaning. If possible, the interval between these two interventions should be one day. However, if this is not possible, at least 2 to 3 hours before the cleaning team starts the cleaning process.
When removing bedding and towels the housekeeping team must take the following precautions:
- Do not shake the bedding;
- Remove it without shaking – rolling it from the inside to the outside, making a “roll”;
- Try to keep the bedding from touching your body;
- Pack the collected bedding and towels in a waterproof bag, closing it tightly and taking it directly to the laundry facilites;
- Wash the bedding and towels at the highest temperature that they can withstand (depending on the thermoresistance) – heat disinfection cycle (at least at 60ºC for 30 minutes, or between 80-90ºC, with at least 10 minutes of heat contact).
MAINTENANCE OF SURFACES
Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) can survive for hours on dry surfaces and up to 6 days on humid surfaces. Therefore, following the indications of DGS, the following cleaning methods should be adopted:
- Do not use a vacuum cleaner to clean floors, as they set droplets in the air, in which the virus may be contained, and transform them into aerosols.
- Clean surfaces from top to bottom and from the cleanest areas towards the dirtiest ones;
- Use single use cleaning cloths, different ones for the bedroom area from those for the bathrooms;
- Use different mop and bucket for the bathroom are than those for the rooms;
- Use common detergents to wash surfaces.
CLEANING AND DISINFECTION OF SURFACES
For disinfecting surfaces, the World Health Organization (WHO) advises the use of bleach (sodium hypochlorite solution) in a concentration of at least 5% free chlorine, and alcohol at 70º for metallic or other surfaces that are not bleach compatible, in order to prevent corrosion or damage.
- If blood, respiratory secretions or other organic fluids are present
- absorb liquids with absorbent paper;
- apply the bleach diluted in water in the proportion of one measure of bleach, to 9 equal measures of water;
- let it act for 10 minutes;
- clean the surface with water and detergent;
- rinse it only with hot water and let it air dry;
- use a mask when diluting and applying bleach;
- opening the windows for ventilation of the space;
- For the common disinfection of surfaces:
- wash it first with water and detergent;
- apply bleach diluted in water in the following proportion: a measure of bleach in 49 equal measures of water;
- let it act for 10 minutes;
- rinse it only with hot water and let it air dry;
- Sanitary facilities must be washed and disinfected with a mixed cleaning product that contains both detergent and disinfectant in the composition, as it is easier and faster to apply and action;
- Furniture and some equipment can also be disinfected after cleaning, with wipes moistened with disinfectant or alcohol at 70º;
- Clean the room furniture first;
- Kitchen space:
- wash dishes in the dishwasher at high temperature;
- clean and disinfect cabinets, countertops, tables and chairs, not forgetting cabinet and door handles;
- clean and disinfect the tap, washbasin and drain
- Clean walls up to arm’s length.
- Remove the curtains and wash them, including the bathroom curtain;
- Clean the furniture;
- Wash the bathroom
- starting with the taps, washbasins and drains,
- then furniture,
- bath or shower, not forgetting to unscrew the shower head, wash and disinfect it;
- the toilet and bidet
- apply the product that has the function of detergent and disinfectant simultaneously, inside and outside the toilet;
- leave the product to act for 10 minutes to make the desired effect,
- rub well inside with the toilet brush,
- flush the water with the toilet brush still inside the toilet so that it is also clean;
- let the toilet brush dry;
- wash and disinfect the toilet brush holder;
- With another clean, single-use cloth, wash the outside of the toilet, starting with the top (the least dirty), followed by the toilet seat cover, and all the exterior parts with the same detergent / disinfectant;
- Afterwards clean only with hot water and let it dry.
- Finally, wash the floor of the area.
- Open the windows of the area and let it air dry.
POOL & JACUZZI
At WAM we advise that guests do not use the pool.
If the patient has recently used the pool, the surfaces of the pool where people circulate should be washed and disinfected. The cleaning and disinfection of the pool must be carried out with the usual procedure, replacing the water and proceeding to chlorination as defined in an internal protocol.
As for the jacuzzi – it is recommended to empty all the water, followed by washing and disinfection; refill with clean water and disinfected with chlorine in the appropriate amount, according to the internal protocol.
COVID 19: ILL OR SUSPECTED GUESTS IN THE ACCOMMODATION UNIT
If a ill person or a suspicious case is detected, they must not leave the accommodation; they must remain in the room and contact the SNS24 (808 24 24 24). They should not go to the health center, private practice or the hospital emergency room; they must wait for the instructions of the health professionals who will assist provide a clinical decision.
CHECK IN
Bearing in mind the importance of individual self-protection measures and the implementation of containment plans, we recommend suspending presential check-ins. If possible, self-check-in with a key safe should be preferred.
We are certain that this is the right path to contribute to a positive outcome of this situation, and as a community of solidarity with those who are by our side, we thank you for your collaboration and understanding.
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