Coronavirus: measures for airbnb hotels and apartments

With the start of the summer season on the seaside resorts and islands, the catering industry is preparing to make a strong comeback. Caution is advised, of course, as the pandemic is not yet over and particular attention should be paid to cleaning surfaces, especially in hotels and short-term rental accommodations.

Surface cleaning and disinfecting products in the form of sprays such as Purell Surface Sanitizing Spray or liquid-soaked wipes such as Purell Sanitizing Wipes are ideal for use on toilets, bathrooms, furniture, switches, and general objects that many people touch. These cleaners quickly fight 99.99% of the most harmful germs without leaving a sticky residue.

Purell disinfecting and cleaning products are:

• Fragrance-free
• Certified with ECOCERT
• They contain 100% natural ingredients (plant-based ethanol) and have a biodegradable formula
• They do not wash off surfaces after application
• Quick and easy to use

According to the EODY and the Ministry of Tourism, a hotel or rented room (Airbnb), in order to operate safely to its customers, must adhere to certain measures as far as room and common area cleaning services are concerned, such as:

• Enhancing hygiene services in all common areas and especially in high-risk items (e.g. doorknobs, elevator buttons, etc.).
• Thorough cleaning and very good ventilation of rooms between stays.
• Checking that dishwashers and washing machines are working properly (in terms of temperature used and detergent dosage).
• Adequate staff equipment (gloves, medical masks, disposable visitors’ gowns).
• Staff should use: Surgical mask (if a surgical mask is not available, the use of a cloth mask is recommended), gloves, and a disposable waterproof gown.
• Infrequent room cleaning during the stay (avoid contact with cleaning workers with the possible outbreak and further transmission).
• Abolition of daily change of linen and towels, evening dressing only at the request of the client.
• Placement of disposable covers on TV and air conditioner controls
• Textile surfaces must be cleaned with a steam device (temperature > 70°).
• It is recommended to place individual antiseptic liquids in each room or to install an automatic antiseptic device.

Hotels or rented accommodation (Airbnb) should:

• Have special equipment (emergency medical kit) in case of an incident, such as gloves and disposable medical masks, antiseptics, cleaning wipes, single-use clothes,  and intact ultrasound thermometers.
• Use protective glass in the slot.
• There is antiseptic for client use in the slot.
• Regular disinfection of the reception surfaces is carried out.
• Signage is placed two meters away from where the client stands, and appropriate distance signage is placed in the waiting area.
• Avoid overcrowding during check-in/check-out
• Keys or key cards are disinfected

Sources: Purell, Ministry of Tourism, EODY