We’ve been expecting you
Question: how will check-in be handled at the lodges?
Answer
We are proud of the warm welcome at our lodges and elements of this certainly have not changed. Although the jovial handshakes and heartfelt hugs are on hold for now, guests are still greeted with a song and a welcome drink; however both staff and guests are asked to keep a minimum of 1.5 metres (5 feet) away from one another during this time. Guests will also be given a choice between a welcome drink or a bottle of still or sparkling water from our on-site water bottling plants, which adhere to strict sanitising standards. Guests will also be provided with access to hand sanitiser at all times.
Question: how will luggage at the lodges be handled?
Answer
All guests will be offered the option of having their luggage treated with disinfectant both on arrival at the lodge and once again after it has been dropped off in the guests’ rooms.
Question: will you be taking guests’ temperatures as they arrive?
Answer
Yes, a quick temperature check is taken on arrival. Each lodge also has a discrete, but easily accessible station where guests can monitor their own temperature at any given time. This will be pointed out to guests upon arrival and it will be recommended that they make use of it periodically during their stay. Guests’ temperatures may also be tested daily or sporadically during their stay, should this be a government requirement in the country of operation.
Question: what training have your teams received in preparation for dealing with guests?
Answer
&Beyond Life is an internal programme that oversees the health and wellbeing of our staff and extends into the communities surrounding our destinations. As part of this programme, all lodge teams, transfer hosts, guides and field staff have been educated extensively about what Covid-19 is and how to identify the signs and symptoms of those infected, as well as the rules on strict personal hygiene, limited interaction with others, luggage handling and best practices for cleaning and sanitation. These protocols were developed in consultation with our medical advisors and all Covid-19 protocols are reiterated and discussed daily at staff meetings across our lodges.
Question: will your staff be required to carry out regular testing, including daily temperature checks?
Answer
All staff returning to work go through training and a screening questionnaire process before they can start working. Daily temperature checks are also carried out.
Question: will your staff be wearing masks?
Answer
All &Beyond staff wear face protection that can be washed, sanitised and safely reused instead of single-use masks. We have also made the decision not to use plastic gloves, but to instead focus on training staff to wash and sanitise their hands regularly. Not only is this approach more environmentally friendly, but research has indicated that it is safer than using gloves.
It is also important to note that each group of guests will always have a dedicated and limited team (ranger, tracker, butler and housekeeper) to cater to their every need and avoid unnecessary contact with other staff members.
Question: will you require guests to wear a mask and gloves?
Answer
We are guided by the requirements imposed by the health authorities in the countries where we operate. As a precaution, we advise all guests to be cautious and wear face protection and this will also be required from guests who are taking part in shared activities. Guests who are travelling together, who choose to book private and exclusive activities and who are able to maintain a safe distance of more than 1.5 m (5 ft) from the guide will not be required to wear face protection if they choose not to do so.
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