Is it safe to stay in hotels now?

What are the risks

Before the coronavirus, we thought little about how safe it is to live in a hotel or in a rented apartment. Now we have to take into account that while traveling we increase our risk of getting infected and, perhaps, we ourselves are spreading the virus. The travel business takes this very seriously. Hotels have strict disinfection requirements, and, for example, it will be possible to move into Russian sanatoriums only with certain certificates.Tourists will be able to check in at the sanatorium only if they have three certificates.

The main risk remains the likelihood of contact with an infected person. During travel, it increases significantly. Do not forget that you can get infectedEvidence Supporting Transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 While Presymptomatic or Asymptomatic and from a person who has no symptoms.

The second hazard is contact with potentially contaminated surfaces. New clarifications are constantly emerging about how stable the virus is on them, but it is already known that it was discovered

Detection of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 RNA on Surfaces in Quarantine Rooms on various objects in hotel rooms where people without symptoms lived.

What to know before booking

First, study the site of the place where you are planning to stay. Or call them and ask what measures are being taken to reduce the risk of transmission. Be sure to clarify the following:

1. How often is cleaning done?
2. Are there sanitizers or hand washing facilities in the common areas?
3. How is air quality monitored? For example, they use some kind of solution to increase air exchange or install filters to clean the air in the ventilation system. If not, can you open windows?
4. Is there a contactless check-in option?
5. What are the requirements for wearing masks?
6. How is the health of guests and employees checked?
7. Has the hotel reduced the number of guests to increase the distance between them? For example, some hotels do not rent out every room, but after one.

How to make your stay safer

Let's say the hotel of your choice is taking proper action. This does not mean that you should not take care of yourself on your own.

Wear a mask and keep your distance in public areas. Try to spend as little time as possible in closed, poorly ventilated areas like elevators. Less often touch surfaces in public places: elevator buttons, doorknobs, tables and chairs - they simply do not have time to disinfect after each passing person. After being in the common areas, wash your hands or treat them with a sanitizer.

Wrap personal items that other people can touch in a plastic bag. For example, your license, documents or card. Take your luggage yourself or ask for contactless delivery. Before checking in, ask to have the throw pillows and bedspreads removed from your room. When you come in disinfect surfaces. Eat in your room or outside.

Take a lot of masks with you to change them in time, and powder if you will wash reusable ones. Bring hand sanitizer or wipes, surface cleaner, paper towels. And don't forget: even if you do all of the above, there is a risk of infection.