COVID-19 - Guests Guidelines

With scientists warning that the coronavirus COVID-19 won’t be disappearing anytime soon, it has become clear that we need to learn how to live with it. This includes while traveling. At misterb&b, we know how important travel and connection are for the global LGBTQ community. We also recognize how resilient LGBTQ travelers are. So how can we all travel safely with the virus still spreading throughout the world? After releasing our guidelines for hosts amid COVID-19, we present some recommendations for guests to help you adapt to this "new normal" and avoid potentially transmitting the virus to your host. Plenty of hand washing, respecting new house rules, and maintaining physical distancing are a given.

1 - Look for "COVID-19 fighters" when searching for a place

We have created a new badge to help travelers identify listings whose hosts have agreed to follow our new Covid-19 cleaning protocol and have their calendar blocked for 24 hours between 2 guests staying. Hosts who choose not to follow this will in any case have their calendar blocked for 72 hours between 2 guests. These hosts offer you the greatest level of safety concerning Covid-19.

2 - Respect these new rules

These are 3 basic rules you should have in mind when booking with a misterb&b host:

• No hand shaking, no hugging, and no kissing upon arrival. We know it may seem a little strange, but it’s safer.
• Ask your host if they provide hand soap, sanitizer and tissues. If not, bring your own.
• If you experience the loss of taste or smell, feel unwell, have a fever, a cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and follow the directions of your local health authority. Don’t travel, and cancel all your bookings immediately until you’ve fully recovered. No penalties will apply, we’ll just need a note from your doctor.

 

If you stay in a private or shared room, we have additional suggestions:

• Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly (see below)
• Avoid sharing items (glasses, bottles, plates, food, drinks…) and electronic devices (remotes, keyboards, …) with the host or with other guests. If you do, clean and disinfect before and after using them!
• Respect physical distancing at all times. If it’s not possible, wear a mask or face covering inside the place. If the host insists on you wearing a mask inside their home, please be respectful and agree to this.
• Be mindful at all times, and try to limit touching surfaces with your hands.
• Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze, and dispose of the used tissue immediately.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Reminder for keeping hands clean:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds (Sing "Happy Birthday" twice in your head).
• Always wash immediately after removing gloves
• Hand sanitizer: if soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty, use a hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol. If hands are visibly dirty, wash with soap and water.
• Additional times to wash your hands include:
  • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
  • After using the restroom
  • Before eating or preparing food
  • After any contact with animals or pets
  • Everytime you return home
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

 

3 - Help hosts keep the virus away from their home

• Ask hosts about local guidelines and recommendations regarding Covid-19.
• Wear a mask/face covering in public places.
• Avoid crowds.
• Maintain physical distancing everywhere you go.
• Avoid public transportation as much as you can. If not, maintain a 6-foot (1.5 to 2m) distance from other passengers, and avoid touching high-touch surfaces such as handrails.
• Wash hands or use hand sanitizers as soon as possible after leaving public transportation.
• Avoid car ride sharing. If this is not possible, limit close contact and create space between others in the vehicle. Follow the guidelines of ride sharing companies.
• Everytime you return to your misterb&b, wash your hands immediately.
• If you plan to date/hook-up either outside your misterb&b or inside (if allowed by the host), remember that the virus is spread through respiratory droplets that can be exchanged.

You will be asked to read these guidelines and accept that you will enforce them before finalizing your next reservation. The host will be informed that you have accepted to follow these recommendations.