Explainer: Staying in hotels safely during the Covid-19 pandemic

Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 1:01 PM by Samantha Riddle

Lockdown restrictions have eased to the extent that citizens can enjoy a holiday for the first time in months. Briefly.co.za hears what an expert has to say on travelling safely during the pandemic.

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By Dr Sheri Fanaroff

Level One lockdown brings with it a new level of freedom and the allure of returning to normality is palpable.

Yet, we need to be aware of second surges happening in countries like the U.K., Spain and Israel and be cognizant of the fact that South Africa is likely to follow this pattern.

Take a look at a few tips to keep safe during your trip:

Explainer: Staying in hotels safely during the Covid-19 pandemic — It is possible to travel safely, even during the pandemic. Image: Pexels
Source: UGC

Before You Go:

Choose your destination wisely - avoid places that are seeing spikes in cases and avoid areas where there are likely to be crowds of people.
Check what health and safety and cleaning or disinfecting protocols the hotel has in place - what is their mask policy and how often are public areas sanitized? What kind of social distancing measures are in place? If these measures are not displayed on the hotel’s website, phone and check.
Choose a hotel option that is quieter, where there are fewer people that you need to interact with.
Check what medical facilities are available and if there is a nearby hospital in case you become ill.
If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone who is positive, you should not go.
Choose contactless options where available, including online reservations, check-ins and payments.
Pack your own hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to take with.

At the Hotel:

Face masks should be worn in all public areas.
Social distancing should be observed at all times (1.5 metres between people).
Avoid crowded indoor spaces.
Wash or sanitize hands regularly, especially after touching commonly touched surfaces like elevator buttons, stair rails and desktops.
In your room, consider wiping down high-touch surfaces yourself, like the doorknob, desktops, light switches and the remote control.
Disinfect the room key, and any other objects that may have been touched by others, such as pens.
Consider taking your own pillow to sleep on.
Open the windows in the room when you arrive. Measures such as “fogging” are unnecessary.
Reduce the number of times that “housekeeping” comes into your room (or eliminate it altogether if it’s a short stay). Make sure you are not in the room at the same time as the cleaner. If you request items such as clean towels, ask for them to be left outside your door. Cleaners should be wearing masks.
Avoid shared hotel facilities like the gym. Rather exercise outside if that is an option.
When using public bathrooms, keep your mask on and flush the toilet with the lid closed. Wash your hands well afterwards and use a tissue to touch the bathroom door handle. Use a disposable towel to dry hands after washing.

Eating Options When Traveling

The lowest risk food options, while you are travelling, are self-catering, takeout, drive-through, or room service.
Eating outside at restaurants where tables are distanced at least 1.5 metres apart is a better choice than inside dining.
Indoor restaurants need to have excellent ventilation and tables spaced as far apart as possible.
Buffets are not a good idea as people crowd together and utensils are touched by many people.
Snacks offered (e.g. on game drives) should be individually packed in single servings. Bowls of shared food where everyone reaches in to take food are a no-no.

Eating Out at Restaurants

Check the restaurant’s COVID-19 prevention practices before you go. They should have protocols regarding masks, social distancing, screening and hand hygiene in place. They should have appropriate cleaning and disinfection measures. Insist on waitrons wearing masks covering noses and mouths.
Outdoor seating is always the best choice. If you can’t sit outside, make sure that the room is well ventilated, preferably with doors and windows open.
Wear a mask as much as possible when not eating.
Maintain a distance of at least 1.5 metres from anyone who does not live in your household. Sit with your own family but spaced apart from others.
Tables and chairs should be well spaced out (there should be 1.5 metres between the back of your chair and the back of the chair behind you).
Avoid touching a menu or touchscreen, unless you are sure it has been sterilized. Disposable single-use menus and menus that are accessed via your own mobile device are safest
Items that are shared or re-used like condiments (salt and pepper/ sauces) should be single-use or sanitized well between patrons.
Serviettes should be disposable.
Tablecloths should be changed between patrons or tables should be wiped down after each service. Chairs should be wiped down between services.
Choose food and drink options that are not self-serve to limit the use of shared serving utensils.
Use cashless payment options where possible.