Is it safe to stay at a hotel during the covid pandemic

Just like most other businesses in Indonesia, a number of hotels are also starting to reopen their doors amid COVID-19. However, some people may still doubt whether it is safe to stay at a hotel during the COVID-19 pandemic. Check out the explanation here.

Stay at a hotel during the COVID-19 pandemic

Staycation or staying at a hotel is one of the ways most people relieve stress. However, this one way of dealing with stress cannot be done considering the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing.

Meanwhile, for those who are in the process of renovating their homes or on a business trip, hotels are their only choice. Therefore, some hotels are still opening their businesses even in the midst of the pandemic.

For those of you who are just about to book a room, there are several considerations that need to be considered when staying at a hotel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The risk of transmitting COVID-19 in hotels is the main thing, especially from contaminated surfaces or objects. In addition, it is possible for you to come into contact with those who are infected with the virus.

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Here are things to consider when deciding to stay at a hotel in the midst of a pandemic.

1. Hotel staff and other guests

As you know, the spread of the COVID-19 virus can occur when you are in close proximity to other people. Even more, droplet (saliva splashes) contaminated with the virus can easily be spread in a small room.

On the other hand, several reports suggest that people without symptoms (OTG) can spread COVID-19. This means that no one can guarantee that apparently healthy staff or guests are completely safe from catching the virus.

Therefore, some hotels are using new health protocols. The hotel asks its employees, especially those who clean rooms to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), starting from masks, face shield , to special safety clothes.

2. Sharing facilities and common rooms

Apart from close contact with other people, another consideration when staying at a hotel during a pandemic is sharing common facilities and rooms.

Compared to the room you ordered, shared rooms and facilities are certainly more at risk of being contaminated by viruses. For example, a hotel lobby can be filled with a bustling crowd in the early morning checkout and a swimming pool which is a gathering place.

Therefore, keep your distance from other people physical distancing very necessary when in a public place, such as a hotel lobby.

3. How often is the room cleaned

According to research published in New England Journal of Medicine , the COVID-19 virus can survive on hard, non-porous surfaces for three days. This also applies to plastic and plastic goods and surfaces stainless steel .

So far, no studies have shown how long it will take droplet the contaminated surface remains on the soft surface. However, a hotel room that is not cleaned properly and thoroughly will certainly not remove viruses from all items and surfaces.

It is possible that the virus particles stuck in the air or any surface in the room came from guests before you stayed at your hotel during the pandemic.

Tips to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 in hotels

In fact, there is no way you can be 100% safe when you stay at a hotel during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, of course there are some tips that can be done to reduce the risk of spreading the virus while you are at the hotel.

There are several ways that can be used to reduce the risk of transmission and can be done before you book a room.

1. Ask the hotel health protocol

Before you decide to book a room to stay, try asking hotel management for health protocols during a pandemic. The reason is, every hotel has different protocols, so it is better if you ask before booking a room, such as:

• air quality in the room, such as the use of air conditioning and ventilation
• the option of not having to come into contact with staff, such as using a digital lock
• masks and medical examinations for guests and staff
• ask for an unused room for at least three days after use

2. Avoid public facilities and spaces

After confirming the medical protocols used by the hotel and feeling more confident, you may be able to visit there already. Don't forget to avoid public facilities and rooms during your stay at the hotel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Swimming pools, spas, and gyms may be closed. If the venue opens, you may want to reconsider whether it is safe to exercise in a gym in the midst of a pandemic

The reason is, you will use it with other people, so it is better to keep a distance from other people and crowds.

3. Bring disinfectant and hand sanitizer

Even though the hotel has cleaned the room with disinfectant, it never hurts to bring disinfectant and hand sanitizer . Look, there will be lots of surfaces or items that you can properly clean when staying at a hotel during a pandemic.

Starting from the TV remote control to the buttons on the phone, hotels may often ignore them. When cleaning items, don't forget to leave the surface wet for five minutes.

By cleaning your room independently, you will also help lower the risk of spreading the virus. Then, try to reduce the habit of touching your face as often as possible.

4. Wash your hands more often

One of the main keys to reducing the risk of contracting COVID-19 is washing your hands, especially when you are staying at a hotel during the pandemic. Washing your hands with soap and water after being in a public place is more effective at getting rid of the virus on your hands.

If soap and water are not available, you can use hand sanitizer as an alternative. At least as long as you are in a room that is shared with other guests, such as the lobby or the elevator, hand hygiene is maintained.

In essence, staying at a hotel during a pandemic certainly has a risk of transmitting COVID-19 which is almost similar to other public places. Therefore, don't forget to keep your distance, wear a mask and take other preventive measures so you don't get infected.