Hotel guest facilities:
Public facilities such as pools, spa pools, gyms may remain closed, in some cases dependent on size of gym. Guests may be allowed to utilise as long as face coverings are worn and social distancing is maintained. Equipment cleaning solution will be made available, with daily cleaning routines being maintained by hotel's housekeeping staff.
What has changed in the cleaning routine to stop the spread of illness?
We continue to provide the highest of cleaning standards in the rooms and have increased the regularity of cleaning in the public areas. The house keeping team has increased cleaning in the common areas and high touch areas. (i.e. lift buttons, hand rails, stairwells and door handles.) Hand sanitisers in guest areas such as check in, restaurant and bar will be made available. In addition hotels will be reintroducing the use of plastic bin liners until such time that the risk level is minimised.
Are there procedures in place to minimise the risk of illness transfer?
Maintaining increased public area cleaning protocols, especially high human traffic areas. Hand sanitisers will be made available at hotel's reception and all high demand public spaces, such as restaurant, bar areas. Again social distancing will be enforced. Signs as issued by the World Health Organization will be displayed in public areas such as bathrooms. Any guests/staff presenting any flu like symptoms will be requested to return to room or in case of staff to their home remaining in self-isolation, with hotel contacting local health authority and will follow procedures as advised. In case of non-compliance by guest we again will follow the local health authority and if required, the guest may be vacated from the hotel following the instructions of the local health authority. The hotel will follow the guidance of
Ministry of Health.
What protocol is in place for screening guest on arrival?
Any guests presenting at hotel check in that appears to have any symptoms related to Covid-19 will be asked to remain in room until local health authorities are advised and person of concern has been visited by health authorities and cleared. In a case where guest is confirmed as threat, we will follow the guidance of local health authorities. In case of non-compliance by guest we again will follow the local health authority and if required, the guest may be vacated from the hotel following the instructions of local health authority.
Note: Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. The WHO says.
"standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing".
Is there a protocol when a guest reports they are sick?
We will be working with the local health authorities if there are any guests that fall unwell. This will be reported immediately and we will follow their guidance and advice. Guest in the first case would be requested to self-isolate in their room.
If there is a lockdown situation at your property due to someone being sick with COVID-19 or other, is there a procedure in place?
Yes, guest must remain in room and food will be delivered to guest room, food would be left outside guest room, guest would be advised food has been delivered, staff would move 2 metres from door entrance to ensure food has been collected by guest. Immediate cleaning of guest room, external door and surrounding area with regular alcohol based cleaning products thereafter. Where possible guest room would be allocated away from others and where possible rooms nearby would be closed to use. Upon collection of crockery and cutlery, guest would be contacted by phone to arrange collection of items, our staff would wear rubber gloves and separate items and place immediately in washer.
What is the protocol for screening employees upon arrival at work?
All staff have to advise travel movements and current health before returning to work. Depending on outcomes staff may be requested to remain at home in self-isolation until cleared by local health authority.
What protocol is in place when an employee has a positive diagnosis?
Hotel will follow local health authorities’ guidance. Staff would be prohibited to enter the place of work and return home and would be required to self-isolate as per the New Zealand Government policy.
How can I protect myself & others?
You can help keep COVID-19 out of New Zealand (and protect yourself and your community from many other illnesses) by keeping up with good hand hygiene, staying home if you feel unwell, wearing a face covering when in public, scanning QR codes and keeping track of where you've been.
Avoid touching the mouth, nose and eyes with unwashed hands
Wash your hands before eating
Carry a hand sanitiser at all times
You must legally wear a face covering on public transport, on domestic flights, in retail stores and public venues
Be particularly mindful of touching your face after using public transport or going to the airport
You are encouraged to wear face coverings in situations where physical distancing is not possible, like in shops
Carry tissues at all times to cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing then dispose of it
Don't eat shared or communal food
Avoid shaking hands, kissing cheeks
Regularly clean and sanitise commonly used surfaces and items, such as phones and keys
Avoid close contact with people suffering from or showing symptoms of acute respiratory infection.
Self-isolate and seek medical attention if you feel unwell
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms may include one or more of the following, but are not limited to:
Cough
Fever
Headache
Muscle pain
High temperature
Fatigue
Shortness of breath, breathing difficulties
Cough.
According to the WHO, symptoms may only start showing up to 14 days after being exposed to the virus. New Zealand is currently using 14 days as its incubation period, in which exposed individuals will be quarantined. There has been some debate over the incubation period, with a handful of researchers suggesting some patients may not display symptoms until 24 days after being infected.
For more information on COVID-19 please visit the Ministry of Health website.
The Ministry of Health is reminding the public to get in touch with Healthline on 0800 358 5453 if they have symptoms or concerns