Cleaning Protocols: Self-Caterers Welcome Clarity on COVID-19 Restrictions

Self-Caterers Welcome Clarity on COVID-19 Restrictions

The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers has welcomed updated Scottish Government guidance on keeping guests safe during COVID-19.

By working proactively with policy-makers, the ASSC has clarified the self-catering sector’s approach to its cleaning protocols and specifically what operators should do if a guest tests positive while staying with them.

Included in the revamped safeguards will be compliance with new Public Health Scotland guidance for non-health and care settings, with updated guidance on physical distancing and face coverings, whether properties should be left fallow between guests and laundry and utensil care.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, ASSC members have behaved in an exemplary way; adhering to all restrictions, often encountering heavy and lasting personal costs while doing so.

In welcoming these new, updated, measures it is the ASSC’s hope that they will provide the necessary room to manoeuvre for businesses across the sector and will allow for more guests to enjoy a safe break in some of the most beautiful parts of the country.

As the trade body representing Scotland’s vital self-catering sector, the ASSC will continue to work constructively with government, and all other stakeholders, to help the sector recover and to secure a positive future for the thousands of people who make their living by creating memory-making holidays, both for Scots and those who visit our country.

Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers Chief Executive, Fiona Campbell, said:

“All of us at the ASSC are delighted to have worked with the Scottish Government, Public Health Scotland, and Infection Prevention and Control to create these more streamlined, common sense, and flexible rules as we prepare to get back to business.

“It is our hope that this will be the start of a continued loosening of restrictions and provision of support that will help save our sector from the real danger it has faced throughout the pandemic.

“Our partners can be assured that the ASSC stands ready, willing, and able to help strike the right balance between the valued safety of our customers and the freedom to operate that our businesses need.”

Overview:

• Operators should follow current Scottish Government guidance on issues such as physical distancing and face coverings
• Properties that have been cleaned and disinfected in line with local policies should be available for immediate occupation, and there is no requirement for leaving properties fallow for 72 hours
• Individual operators should decide on whether guests should strip the beds / laundry themselves. If operators/cleaners remove them (following protocols on good handling of linen, not shaking, PPE if required), then it could be argued that this may actually be more “controllable”
• A common-sense approach should be taken to the washing of crockery/cutlery, based on what cleaners find when assessing property at changeover
• Businesses should move towards a business as usual approach, including interaction with guests in line with current Scottish Government guidance
• PHS does not recommend Steam/UV-C light/ULV fogging between guests as standard practice
• A business as usual approach should be taken  in terms of laundry, (including what happens to linen with visible contamination) in line with local policy.

The industry should now be starting to revert to business as usual and following cleaning policies, protocols and procedures that would have previously (pre-pandemic) been in place.

What to do if a guest develops or arrives with COVID-19 symptoms

Operators should signpost to PHS non-healthcare settings guidance, which currently states:

If the affected person has mild symptoms they should go home as soon as they notice symptoms and follow the guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection. Where possible they should minimise contact with others, e.g. use a private vehicle to go home. If it is not possible to use private transport, then they should be advised to return home quickly and directly. If using public transport, they should try to keep away from other people, wear a face covering and catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue.”

ASSC Members can access the revised Cleaning Protocols Here