The UK and Welsh Governments have now allowed the reopening of the hospitality sector in England and Wales, with different guidance applicable in each country. Of course, we are keen to welcome guests back to our amazing network of hostels. Yet the nature of our organisation — particularly the duty of care we have to our supporters, guests, beneficiaries, staff and partners — compels us to progress with caution and careful consideration in the best interests of the charity and those it serves.
We have therefore begun a phased reopening of selected properties in England and Wales — in line with the respective Government guidance, and meeting the criteria and standards we have set for ourselves. These criteria include that we are confident we can open safely; that the public and our partners in the communities we are located in are supportive; and that we can do so viably in a way that safeguards our charity for the future.
As we welcome guests back to our hostels, our focus is on making sure everyone feels safe in our spaces. We have introduced Covid-19 secure enhanced cleaning and safety procedures at every hostel. We will keep guest rooms and public areas such as corridors and receptions at the highest standard of cleanliness throughout your stay. We’ve introduced new measures to ensure social distancing guidance is easy to follow, and we’ve made many of our services contact free.
Guest safety measures include:
Social distancing
Stay physically distant from other hostel users in line with Government guidelines – signs are in place to remind both staff and guests
Enhanced cleaning
Staff have been trained to deliver frequent Covid-19 secure cleaning and disinfecting protocols throughout the hostel
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitiser stations are positioned throughout the hostel, with signs reminding guests of the importance of frequent hand cleaning
Contactless payments
Please pay with contactless mobile or card payments wherever possible, or with a payment card, to avoid cash transactions
In addition, we have:
- Introduced new internal signage to provide clear guidance to guests
- Installed protective screens at reception
- Initiated new operating procedures that ensure once you have checked in, your bedroom or Exclusive Hire property won’t be entered by a team member for housekeeping, other than for essential maintenance
- Kept communal spaces such as self-catering kitchens, dining areas, laundry facilities, locker rooms, drying rooms and lounges closed for the time being, unless on Exclusive Hire
- Removed non-essential and difficult-to-clean items from rooms and public areas, including seating and most storage lockers in bedrooms
- Introduced a food and drink takeaway service instead of shared dining and bar facilities at the majority of our catered hostels