This information is based on Government guidance. While the original guidance was not written specifically for the hospitality industry, it can be applied to caravan holiday homes and communal areas within a holiday park, as well as reception areas, workplaces and offices, before re-opening for business:

The infection risk from coronavirus following contamination of the environment decreases over time. Studies of other viruses in the same family suggest that, in most circumstances, the risk is likely to be reduced significantly after 72 hours. However, it is not yet clear at what point there is no risk so deep cleaning before re-opening is appropriate.

You may not be certain that the coronavirus has passed through your business but it’s best to assume that it’s likely.

The minimum personal protective equipment (PPE) to be worn for cleaning an area where a person with possible or confirmed coronavirus is disposable gloves and an apron. Hands should be washed with soap and water for 20 seconds after all PPE has been removed.

If you believe a higher level of virus may be present (e.g. where unwell customers have slept in a caravan) there is the need for additional PPE to protect the cleaner’s eyes, mouth and nose. The local Public Health England (PHE) Health Protection Team (HPT) can advise on this.

Non-healthcare workers should be trained in the correct use of a surgical mask, to protect them against other people’s potentially infectious respiratory droplets when within 2 metres, and the mask use and supply of mask would need to be equivalent to that in healthcare environments.

Cleaning and disinfection

Fortunately, normal cleaning methods do kill this virus.

When cleaning use disposable cloths, first clean hard surfaces with warm soapy water. Then disinfect these surfaces with the cleaning products you normally use. Pay particular attention to frequently touched areas and surfaces, such as bathrooms, grab-rails in corridors and stairwells and door handles.

Hands must be washed regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds, and after removing gloves, aprons and other protection used while cleaning

Public areas when individuals pass through and spend minimal time, such as corridors where, should be cleaned thoroughly as normal.

All surfaces that a contaminated person may have come into contact with must be cleaned and disinfected, such as bathrooms, door handles, telephones, grab-rails in corridors and stairwells.

Use disposable cloths or paper roll and disposable mop heads, to clean all hard surfaces, floors, chairs, door handles and sanitary fittings, following one of the options below:

• use either a combined detergent disinfectant solution at a dilution of 1,000 parts per million available chlorine

or

• a household detergent followed by disinfection (1000 ppm av.cl.). Follow manufacturer’s instructions for dilution, application and contact times for all detergents and disinfectants

or

• if an alternative disinfectant is used within the organisation, this should be checked and ensure that it is effective against enveloped viruses

Avoid creating splashes and spray when cleaning.

Any cloths and mop heads used must be disposed of and should be put into waste bags as outlined below.

When items cannot be cleaned using detergents or laundered, for example, upholstered furniture and mattresses, steam cleaning should be used.

Any items that are heavily contaminated with body fluids and cannot be cleaned by washing should be disposed of.

Laundry

Wash items in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest water setting and dry items completely. Dirty laundry that has been in contact with an unwell person can be washed with other people’s items.

Do not shake dirty laundry, this minimises the possibility of dispersing virus through the air.

Clean and disinfect anything used for transporting laundry with your usual products, in line with the cleaning guidance above.

The Health and Safety Executive website also has information on decontamination and treatment of laundry.

Waste

Waste from possible cases and cleaning of areas where possible cases have been (including disposable cloths and tissues):

1. Should be put in a plastic rubbish bag and tied when full.
2. The plastic bag should then be placed in a second bin bag and tied.
3. It should be put in a suitable and secure place and marked for storage until the individual’s test results are known.

Waste should be stored safely and kept away from children. You should not put your waste in communal waste areas until negative test results are known or the waste has been stored for at least 72 hours.

• if the individual tests negative, this can be put in with the normal waste
• if the individual tests positive, then store it for at least 72 hours and put in with the normal waste

If storage for at least 72 hours is not appropriate, arrange for collection as a Category B infectious waste either by your local waste collection authority if they currently collect your waste or otherwise by a specialist clinical waste contractor. They will supply you with orange clinical waste bags for you to place your bags into so the waste can be sent for appropriate treatment.