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How To Cater To Guests Who May Require Quarantine Accommodation

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Quarantine accommodation is an unexpected necessity. However, it’s something property suppliers may need to familiarize themselves with.

In these uncertain times, many unknowns may be occurring for the first time. One such unknown would be how to cater to a guest who has contracted Covid-19. Today, we touch on what to do in this scenario if you need to provide emergency quarantine accommodation. As the property supplier, and responsible owner.

HOW TO ADAPT

If your guest contracts the virus, they may need to stay at your property for an extended time to self-isolate. Initially, remember that your guest is probably feeling afraid and upset. They will appreciate a kindly figure most wholesomely at this time. Beyond this:

• Remember that you may have to deny your guest an extended stay. For example: if your guest is in shared accommodation with others who do not have the virus. In this scenario it is best to advise the guest to return home ASAP to staunch the flow of the virus if they can do so safely. You could also advise them of another nearby single person accommodation. Your safety is a crucial concern, too. As well as the safety of any other guests.
• Ensure that the property is cleaned thoroughly. You will need to meticulously disinfect it in order to keep your next guests, your staff, and yourself safe. For more precise cleaning information see the governments guidelines here.
• Encourage your guests to wear face coverings when speaking to yourself, or any staff, inside of the temporary quarantine accommodation. This is of course only if face-to-face contact is necessary.
• Offer a gentle reminder to guests that they should not leave your accommodation if they are self isolating. However, it’s crucial to remember that it is not your responsibility to enforce this. The onus is on the guest to ensure they self-isolate to their best capability.
• Your guest is allowed to leave to get food, medical equipment, or a COVID 19 test. You can however discuss this with them. It may behove the both of you to arrange some other way of securing these items, ie delivery where possible.
• If they cannot return home ( such as not being able to afford private transport, or not being able to drive themselves home ) and it isn’t safe for them to isolate, don’t fret. Seek further assistance from an appropriate healthcare professional and authorities if necessary.

HELPFUL ADDITIONS

It is advisable to have some sort of leaflet or brochure. You can hand this out to any self-isolating guests. This can include information on cleaning, speaking to staff when necessary, additional costs if any apply ( such as providing three meals a day ), meal options, local delivery services, et cetera. This will again minimize excess face to face interaction

Supply the guest with their own extra cleaning supplies. Fresh sheets, cleaning tools, et cetera. You can also advise them to leave their clothes, used cutlery and dishes, as well as any dirty sheets or trash bags, outside in a basket

to be later disposed of.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY

If your guest requires urgent medical aid you can do one of two things.

• Dial NHS 111 for any non-urgent queries that still require relatively quick attention. For urgent care, assist the guest in getting to a hospital.
• If there is a medical emergency, call an ambulance. Be sure to inform the paramedics and the call handler that the guest is symptomatic for COVID-19 and are self-isolating. Also inform them of any medical issues your guest may have. It may benefit you to learn these as soon as the guest informs you they are positive for the virus.

Remember: this isn’t forever. Your efforts to make things safer for others is always deeply appreciated. To further brush up on how to assist guests who may require temporary quarantine accommodation, see the full government guidelines here.