Considerations for Short Term Rental Accommodations during - COVID-19 - Grey ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Considerations for Short Term
Rental Accommodations during
COVID-19
Background
On Saturday, April 3, 2021 Ontario entered a province-wide shutdown. As of
Thursday April, 8, 2021 this was extended by declaring a third provincial
emergency and enacting a province-wide stay-at-home order with additional
public health measures. Enhanced public health measures came into effect on
Saturday April 17, 2021. The current COVID-19 Response Framework has been
paused. The shutdown will be maintained in Grey Bruce for at least 4 weeks. The
regulation that establishes the rules for the Province-wide Shutdown is O. Reg. 82/20.
More information on the shutdown from the Government of Ontario can be accessed
here.
At this time, short-term rentals (e.g., cottages, cabins, including Airbnb) may only
be provided to individuals who are in need of housing. Bookings accommodating
more than one household are not permitted.
Ice fishing huts may only be rented for day use and for use by members of the same
household, with limited exceptions. Ice fishing huts may not be used overnight. The
conditions to rent out an ice fishing hut do not apply if it is for the purpose of exercising
an Aboriginal or treaty right.
Businesses and organizations must comply with public health advice on physical
distancing, cleaning, and screening. Businesses or organizations shall ensure that a
person in an indoor area wears a mask or face covering. Detailed regulations are
available under the Reopening Ontario Act O. Reg. 82/20: Rules for Areas in Stage 1.
April 20, 2021 Page 1 of 5Considerations for Traveling
Trips outside of the home should be limited and only for essential purposes (accessing
health care and medication, grocery shopping, child care, exercising alone or with
people in your household and in the community where you live, walking pets when
required, and supporting vulnerable community members to meet the needs above).
Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others.
Review Government Travel Restrictions and the recent Ontario Announcement for more
information.
Gathering Limits
Close contact is allowed only with people living in the same household. Two metres
physical distancing should be maintained from everyone else. Individuals who live alone
may consider having close contact with another household.
Encourage clients to follow provincial gathering limits while using rental
accommodations.
In all cases, individuals are required to continue to maintain physical distancing
of at least two metres with people from outside their households.
Masks and Face Coverings
Individuals must use a face covering (non-medical mask such as a cloth mask) in public
indoor spaces. This includes:
public spaces (for example, inside stores and event spaces)
workplaces, even those that are not open to the public if 2 m distancing cannot
be maintained
vehicles that operate as part of a business or organization, including taxis and
rideshares
April 20, 2021 Page 2 of 5There are limited exceptions, such as for children younger than two years old or for
health and accommodations reasons. Other measures, especially enhanced physical
distancing or even an impermeable barrier will assist in reducing the risk of transmission
of COVID-19.
People can take off their face covering temporarily:
to receive services that require you to take it off (for example, when you have to
verify your identity)
to engage in an athletic or fitness activity
to eat or drink
as necessary for health and safety purposes
Learn about face coverings, including exceptions and how to properly fit, wear, remove
and clean your non-medical face mask.
Practice Physical Distancing
Where possible, use no-contact procedures for check in and check out.
Maintain physical distance between guests and operators.
Wear a mask or face covering when required by the province and anytime
physical distancing is a challenge.
Install physical barriers, such as Plexiglas, where needed.
If there are multiple units or guests, remind guest to physically distance from
those not in their group.
Use signage and floor markings to support physical distancing in common areas,
such as a lobby.
Wash Hands Often
Encourage guests to wash their hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when
entering and leaving the short term rental.
Provide handwashing or hand sanitizer stations in common and high traffic
areas.
April 20, 2021 Page 3 of 5Cleaning and Disinfection
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in common areas often. Pay
attention to surfaces like door knobs, light switches, handles, counter tops,
keyboards and washrooms. Refer to Cleaning and Disinfection for Public
Settings from Public Health Ontario for more information.
Clean tools, workstations, phones and other items used by employees at the
start and end of each shift.
Remove non-essential items from guest rooms and units, such as books, throw
pillows and other decorative items.
Clean and disinfect guest rooms after check-out. Clean and disinfect all areas of
the room and frequently touched items such as toilet handles, remote controls,
telephones, and doorknobs. Clean and disinfect room keys. Launder all bedding,
towels and linens.
Any kitchenware (dishes, silverware, glasses) must be cleaned between guests.
If this is not possible, remove the kitchenware and replace with disposable
options. Do not provide complimentary food or drinks for guests.
Be Aware of the Local Situation
Share information with your guests about where to find local information related
to COVID-19, including the Grey Bruce Health Unit and local municipalities.
Be aware of local restrictions and what amenities may be closed or operating in a
different manner.
Communicate Policies and Procedures
Communicate policies and procedures with guests prior to their arrival, if
possible.
Communicate any policies and procedures with staff and operators.
Ensure guests, staff and operators are aware of the symptoms of COVID-19 and
ensure they stay home if they are sick.
April 20, 2021 Page 4 of 5Consider Workplace Health and Safety
Follow the health and safety guidance provided by the Ministry of Labour,
Training and Skills Development and Health and Safety Associations Find sector-
specific guidance and posters to help protect workers, customers and the general
public from COVID-19 on Ontario’s resources to prevent COVID-19 in the
workplace webpage.
Consider the guidance from workplace health and safety associations, including
that for the Tourism and hospitality sector, Hotel reception, room service and
front line staff and Hotel housekeeping and laundry.
Resources
Regulations: Rules for Areas in Stage 1 – Government of Ontario
Tourism and hospitality sector – Workplace Safety and Prevention Services
Hotel reception, room service and front line staff – Workplace Safety and Prevention
Services
Hotel housekeeping and laundry – Workplace Safety and Prevention Services
Cleaning and Disinfection for Public Settings – Public Health Ontario
Non-medical Masks and Face Coverings – Public Health Ontario
Non-medical masks and face coverings: Sew and no-sew instructions – Health Canada
April 20, 2021 Page 5 of 5You can also read
