As a result of our risk assessment, we have implemented the following measures to ensure the safety of guests, ourselves and our community.
Before your visit
We will instigate self check in prodedure online and key pickup via code and key safe.
We will provide phone, email and text support to guests.
We will provide clear guidance as to which parts of the farm guests can access.
Guests will be asked to agree to social distancing, which will be flagged up during self check in.
We will ask guests to purchase food and supplies for their visit before they leave home, in order to take pressure off local services.
A minimum of 24 hours will be left between bookings and be ventilated following cleaning.
When not ventilated we will maintain a higher than normal temperature in the cottage as research suggests this makes it more difficult for the virus to survive.
Our normal rigorous cleaning will be enhanced to include disinfection of all surfaces using HOCl solution, and mist onto items such as books, curtains etc.
During your stay
We will give clear guidelines on where it is safe to walk, and offer suggestions for quiet local walks
We’ll give clear guidelines on which areas of the farm you can visit (ie the woodlands)
Summary
The risk to guests of contracting Covid-19 during their stay here is incredibly low, due to the ability to isolate, and because of the low chance of any virus present being able to survive warm temperatures for any length of time, combined with thorough cleaning procedures.
Cleaning procedures
We will be using a combination of detergent cleaning, and disinfectant using Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), an environmentally safe disinfectant that has been certified under EN 1276 and 13697 and allows us to treat items such as books etc with a mist to deactivate any virus that might be present there. We are using the Toucan Eco system – https://toucaneco.co.uk/the-science/
All laundry and soft furnishings will be washed at a minimum 60 degrees, and we keep three sets that are rotated so that there is a significant time gap between the re-use of any one set.
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Ensure proper PPE – overall, gloves, mask.
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Assemble cleaning materials, bags for washing etc.
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Strip bed, remove all linen, towels to closed bag for washing.
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Rugs, cushion covers to bag for washing.
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Bathroom – Clean all surfaces, tas, sink, toilet, bath, shower, tiles with soap, water. Allow to dry, disinfect all, plus light switch.
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Bedroom – clean lamps, bedside tables, window sills, door handles, light switch. Allow to dry, disinfect. Spray curtains for hanging storage.
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Living room. Clean table, window sills, sofa, side table, fire tools, woodstove top and handles. Allow to dry, disinfect, also light switch.
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Kitchen – clean all surfaces, extractor controls, oven exterior and interior. Full cutlery clean, plates and dishes. Front door, handles, shelves by door. Shelves by pantry, pantry door handle.
Allow to dry and disinfect.
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Pantry – Clean doors, handles, fridge in and out. Allow to dry, disinfect.
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All floors with cleaner and disinfectant.
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Ventilate thoroughly.
Our commitment to safety
Key points –
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Birch Cottage / Lackan Cottage Farm is in a rural setting and it is possible to check in, stay on site, enjoy the countryside, and remain safely isolated from others during your stay.
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We have thoroughly assessed all the risks and taken the necessary steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our guests, ourselves and our community.
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We have developed thorough cleaning protocols using approved methods and products that ensure the property is always in a safe and thoroughly clean condition for all our guests.