Chaffee County Public Health Responds to State Public Health Order; Lifts Restrictions on Short-Term Rentals
In response to the state-wide Safer at Home order amendment announced on 6.1.20, Chaffee County Public Health (CCPH) is working on amending local order 2020-07 to lift further restrictions.
Effective 6.1.20, short-term rentals (STR) are allowed to reopen, as long as they follow the certification of safety process. In order to reopen, short-term rental owners and/or managers must review the Short-Term Rental Safe Business Checklist found on http://www.chaffeecounty.org/Public-Health-Coronavirus and then complete the electronic form to certify that to the best of their ability and when it is appropriate the short-term rental will implement specific health and safety requirements. The certifications and any specific plans will be reviewed by the jurisdiction that issues the short-term rental license. Certificates of safety will be issued through e-mail and will need to be placed in a visible location for guests to view. Health and safety requirements include:
• Owners and Managers are encouraged to provide non-contact check in such as coded entry or keyless entry;
• Owners and Managers will post current Chaffee County Public Health directives such as mask requirements, social distancing, etc. Contact information for local healthcare options will also be prominently posted;
• Owners and Managers will communicate with guests prior to arrival and ask them to stay home if they are sick. If a guest is showing signs and symptoms of COVID-19 while in a STR, they will be directed to self-report to the Chaffee County Public Health. The STR will be cleaned and disinfected according to the guidelines listed below. Owners/Managers will observe all HIPPA laws when dealing with any medical information;
• Guests are asked to remove shoes outside the door;
• All house manuals are updated to include COVOD-19 information as provided by the CDC;
• Housekeepers are asked to wear masks as well as gloves when working;
• Properties will be properly ventilated during the cleaning process with doors and windows open;
• Housekeepers are instructed to wash their hands thoroughly before and after each cleaning;
• Housekeepers will use disposable paper towels and disinfectant wipes and dispose of them properly after each cleaning. If reusable products are used then they are to be machine-washed at the highest heat setting;
• All surfaces are to be cleaned first and then disinfected;
• Disinfectants should be diluted bleach solutions, cleaning products with at least 70% alcohol, or common disinfectants registered by the EPA;
• Focus for disinfecting is on frequently touched surfaces such as light switches, doorknobs, remote controls, faucet and appliance handles, as well as seating, kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms;
• Sofa, rugs, drapes and other soft or porous surfaces should be cleaned removing dirt and grime first and then disinfected with appropriate cleaners;
• All linens will be washed at the highest heat setting recommended by the manufacturer, including bedspreads, bed sheets, mattress covers, hand and bath towels, kitchen towels, and blankets. Gloves are to be worn when handling dirty laundry;
• Clean and disinfect laundry baskets and hampers with each turnover;
• Empty and disinfect the vacuum cleaner along with other appliances such as the dishwasher and washing machine;
• All extra linens should be locked up and away from guest access;
• All condiments, spices, and food provided by the STR or left behind by other guests will be removed;
• Additional consumable products such as toilet paper, paper towels, and trash bags will be provided to negate the need for additional shopping trips.
• Hand sanitizer soap will be provided at each faucet (bathrooms and kitchen).
• Reservations will be made 24 hours between guests if owners/property managers are able to clean and disinfect, as permissible. If owners are unable to clean and disinfect according to the above-listed standards, then reservations will be made 72 hours between guests, as permissible.
CCPH will provide signage and resources to the jurisdictions to support short-term rentals with a safe reopening. In addition, there are a limited number of “starter kits” available through the county with sanitizer, gloves, and masks. To request a “starter kit”, complete the Personal Protection Request Form and choose “starter kit” on the first page at http://www.chaffeecounty.org/Public-Health-Coronavirus.
“We know that the past three months have been challenging and uncertain for our business community, especially for our short-term rental industry. While we did submit a variance to the state to lift restrictions on short-term rentals here in Chaffee County without receiving a response, the state-wide decision to reopen short-term rentals is a welcome one. CCPH appreciates everyone’s patience and understanding as the county, and state for that matter, reopens in a gradual and systematic manner. If you are a short-term rental owner or manager, we appreciate your continued patience as we issue certificates of safety to our greatest capacity so that you can finally reopen. Our short-term rental community is a vital partner in our county’s economic health while also an important steward in keeping COVID-19 from spreading further,” says Andrea Carlstrom, CCPH Director.
