30 Jun Covid-19 and the little cottage
I am pleased that the Welsh Government is hopefully about to announce that self-catering accommodation in Wales will re-open on the 13th July 2020. (Keep your fingers crossed!) However, the holiday landscape has changed in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, and even holidays in self-catering cottages are going to be slightly different to what you’re used to.
As I’m sure you can understand, everyone who helps to look after the cottage will need extra time to prepare the cottage for your arrival. Please be aware that your departure and arrival times may have changed from those originally given at the time of your booking.
Cleaning and your safety
The cottage has new cleaning measures in place to help protect guests. I’m signing up for the industry standard guidance, so you can holiday in the knowledge that the cottage has been deep cleaned before your stay to help keep you safe. I’ve also signed up for the AA Covid-confident accreditation. Cleaners will wear PPE to clean and will add extra measures to their usual routine. Areas of high contact like door handles will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. You might also find that some internal doors have been propped open to lessen areas of contact.
Be prepared
Please try to be as self-sufficient while you’re staying at the cottage as is possible. Local shops, pubs, restaurants and services are still going to have limited capacity due to social distancing requirements. You might also find it hard to get supermarket deliveries. However, there are huge numbers of local suppliers, shops and stalls selling and delivering locally. I’ll send you a link to a website that Brecon Beacons Tourism have put together listing lots of businesses doing amazing things to take away from hampers to burgers. If you can prepare, investigate and pre-order, you’ll still be able to experience the huge range of wonderful local produce that this area is known for.
Things you’ll have to do
As well as the cleaners taking on new tasks, you will also be asked to help keep everyone safe by doing a few things that you might not be used to, such as bagging up your bedlinen. There will be laminated guidance in the cottage about what you can do both throughout your stay and on the day of your departure.
Throughout your stay:
- Please feel free to use the extra cleaning products in the cottage, from hand sanitiser to disinfectants and disposable gloves.
- Remember to keep washing your hands frequently.
- Make sure you’re aware of the new departure time. Give the cleaners as much time as possible to do their jobs. This is especially important on same-day changeovers. The little cottage is fully booked throughout July, August and September so your help will be appreciated.
- Please don’t travel to the cottage if you (or anyone in your party) is unwell or displaying symptoms, or you’ve been required to self-isolate.
- If you develop symptoms while you’re staying at the cottage, please contact me immediately, and (if you are able) return home to self-isolate.
On your day of departure:
- help the cleaning team by opening the windows to air the cottage
- bag up your bedlinen in the snazzy new bags provided
- pop all the crockery you’ve used into the dishwasher and setting it on the hottest cycle, and also
- bagging up all your rubbish and taking it to the bin outside.