The ICT and Costa Rican Tourism Institute came together with the chambers of the private sector and hotels to reopen medium establishments, those with up to 20 rooms, following the application of new sanitary guidelines, as soon as this Saturday.
The agreed upon protocols go from increasing cleanliness to what to do if a case of covid-19 is suspected. Alcohol gel must be available in common areas, workers must wash hands at least once per hour, and personnel will be required to wear gloves and masks. Additionally, 1.8 meters will be marked between people and virtual payments encouraged in order to reduce the contact between employees and guests.
Deep cleaning in rooms should include remote controls, door handles, closets, drawers, light switches, lamps, and coffee makers, in addition to toilets, sinks, showers, and beds.
Hotels are encouraged to expand on these measures as well. They may choose to set up rugs to clean shoes on before entering and initiate a second cleaning of the rooms in the afternoon, for example.
Things are looking up for the tourism sector. Small hotels, with up to ten rooms, were able to open as of May 14th. One hotel reported filling all ten rooms and even having to reject requests.
