How To Safely Prepare A Guest Room After An IllnessHow To Safely Prepare A Guest Room After An Illness
September 1, 2020 - S SAN FRANCISCO - A challenge all lodging properties are experiencing now is knowing exactly what to do when a sick guest departs a room. To help prevent guests and staff falling ill as a result, it is important to take extra precautions to ensure the room is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before the next guest arrives. Here are some steps that anyone can take to safely prepare a guest room for the next guest:
1. Isolate the room: Once the sick guest has left a room, the room should be immediately isolated and marked as "Out Of Order." This will prevent anyone from entering the room before it has been properly cleaned and disinfected.
2. Wear protective equipment: Housekeeping staff should wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and gowns while cleaning the room.
3. Ventilate the room: Before cleaning, open the windows and turn on the air conditioning to allow fresh air to circulate in the room and help remove any remaining airborne pathogens.
4. Remove all linens: All linens, including bedding, towels, and curtains, should be removed from the room and laundered in hot water with a strong detergent.
5. Clean and disinfect surfaces: Clean and disinfect all surfaces in the room, including furniture, fixtures, and high-touch areas such as doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls. Use a one-step EPA-approved disinfectant like our ADVENT® Ready-to-Use Disinfectant Cleaner (see our PN: 18280), and carefully follow the instructions for use.
7. Seal the room: Once the room has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, seal the room to prevent anyone from entering until the next guest arrives.
By following these steps, hotels can best prepare a room for the next guest when a sick guest has been residing in the room previously. It is important to take these extra precautions to ensure the health and safety of all guests and staff.
