Guest House Respiratory Illness Safety Policy
The health and safety of our guests and staff are of paramount importance to us and we will follow guidelines provided by the State of Connecticut, OSHA and the CDC.
Latest relevant CDC guidance here: https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/guidance/respiratory-virus-guidance.html
Effective through May 31, 2024
This interim policy will be reviewed periodically going forward to keep up with new guidance and guest concerns/interest.
Guest House recommends staying up to date with vaccination to protect people against serious illness, hospitalization, and death. This includes flu, COVID-19, and RSV if eligible.
Guest House recommends that all guests test negative for Covid before arrival. If a guest tests positive before arrival, they must not come to Guest House.
If a guest is experiencing respiratory illness symptoms, they should not come to Guest House.
If a guest develops cold- or flu-like symptoms or tests positive during their stay, they will be supported to return home.
Guest House will minimize exposure between retreat groups by staggering mealtimes, if possible, when requested.
Some events held at Guest House may have stricter safety guidelines than this policy; please refer to your groups guidelines prior to attendance as stricter policy takes precedence.
Employees that do not pass a daily health self-assessment (e.g., showing cold- or flu-like symptoms) must:
- Not report to work (or return home); and,
- Immediately notify their supervisor/manager and the Executive Director; and,
- Stay at home until the two bullet points below are both true for at least 24 hours:
- The employee’s symptoms are getting better overall, and
- The employee has not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).
- Then, and only then, the employee may return to work. Upon return to work a mask must be worn at all times, employee must social distance, including at meal times for the next 5 days or until symptoms fully resolve.
Staff that have been knowingly exposed* to a respiratory illness must work to prevent potential transmission to other staff and guests. Staff must wear a mask for 5 days, as they may be infected and contagious before symptoms manifest, while continuing regular good hygiene practice. “Exposed” is defined as spending at least 15 minutes in close proximity (<6ft) to someone with a confirmed or suspected respiratory illness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Covid-19/RSF/flu/etc Vaccination required to retreat at Guest House?
Vaccination carries the strongest possible recommendation from Guest House, but it is not required.
Is there a pre-arrival health screening for guests?
Yes, all guests are required to complete our online check-in form with electronic signature no sooner than 24 hours before arriving on site. This includes a health assessment, a general liability waiver, and safety agreement.
Are your staff required to conduct daily health screenings?
Yes, all our staff are required to do a self-assessment daily before coming to work. Staff are also following strict hygiene protocols.
Are there Travel Restrictions?
There are currently no travel restrictions in place in CT.
Can I visit the front desk for help? Are the gift store and fitness center open?
Yes, all our Guest Services are open as usual.
Can I share a room with someone?
Yes, shared rooms are available as usual. Please consult your group’s coordinator for specifics on room assignments.
Do bedrooms and meeting spaces have fresh air access?
Yes, all of our guest bedrooms, meeting rooms and dining rooms have windows with screens or doors that may be opened to bring fresh air in. As this is potentially damaging to our equipment, we ask that this is done minimally and with specific intention.
Is the dining room still self-serve?
We have made the decision to permanently switch to staff service at the buffet, but our beverage service is still self-serve. Food is kept behind a plexiglass buffet cover, and staff will be wearing gloves at all times. Staff can wear masks upon request. All guests are reminded to wash their hands and/or use hand sanitizer before entering the dining room.
If preferred, our outdoor deck is available in fair weather. All of our chefs and cooks are fully trained as ServSafe-certified food providers.
Guests can still bring their own supplemental food and snacks, but since they are placed in a shared refrigerator, we ask that you use zippered, labeled bags for storage, and wash hands and/or use hand sanitizer before retrieving items.
How are laundry and linens being handled?
For your arrival, each guest bedroom is prepared with a sanitized sheet set, blanket and bed coverlet. Laundry is covered while in storage. Our laundry service is generally compliant with standards set by OSHA.
What should I do if I suddenly do not feel well while at Guest House? What are your protocols if someone is experiencing Covid-19, cold, or flu-like symptoms?
Guests are asked to inform the emergency contact for their group if not feeling well. Should a guest begin to exhibit potential Covid-19, cold, or flu symptoms, they are asked to stay in their bedroom and notify the emergency contact for the group, who will alert a Guest House staff person. The guest will be supported to leave our site to seek more immediate, local medical care or to return home.
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
Send your questions to info@guesthousecenter.org.