Coronavirus Covid -19 and the Oregon Coast

So many of us have been affected by the 2020 - 2021 Coronavirus / Corvid-19 epidemic, especially around the coastal tourist areas. Here on the Oregon Coast, our Manzanita rentals are doing everything possible to work with the local authorities and guests to make vacationers' experiences as relaxing as possible.

Before we describe our Manzanita Oregon rentals cleaning procedures, be sure to check out the Oregon Covid-19 Risk Phase Restriction chart below, find out what phase the county in Oregon you're visiting, and then find out the current restriction phase of that county here.

Oregon Covid-19 Restriction Phases

Oregon's Current Covid Restrictions for Businesses and Vacation Rentals

The Oregon Health Authority announced late Tuesday July 27, 2021 it is recommending universal mask use in public indoor settings throughout the state to protect Oregonians from COVID-19.

With the Coronavirus / Covid-19 and accommodations uppermost on traveler's minds as we start to open up, we've had guests asking what steps we're taking to ensure the safety of our guests. In an effort to address those questions, we've outlined our guidelines, below. You may also find them recommended on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Not only would these guidelines address our own oceanfront vacation rentals on Manzanita Beach, they are things to look for in whatever travel destination you've visiting on the Oregon Coast.

The protocols in place for our own oceanfront Manzanita vacation rentals are listed towards the end of this post.

In the meantime, here's some good news to regarding travel this summer to Oregon Coast vacation rentals: new CDC guidelines indicate person to person Covid-19 transmission is more likely rather than surface to person. And NPR has rated going to the beach and staying at a vacation rental is a low risk activity.

General Recommendations for Cleaning and Disinfection of Households

Household members should educate themselves about COVID-19 symptoms and preventing the spread of COVID-19 in homes. Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily in household common areas (e.g. tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks, toilets, sinks).

Surfaces

Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Gloves should be discarded after each cleaning. If reusable gloves are used, those gloves should be dedicated for cleaning and disinfection of surfaces for COVID-19 and should not be used for other purposes. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and disinfection products used. Clean hands immediately after gloves are removed.If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.For disinfection, diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective.

Never mix bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.

Note from The Houses On Manzanita Beach: when purchasing bleach, purchase bleach that indicates it kills 99.9% of common household germs. The splash less type does not make this claim.

Diluted household bleach solutions can be used if appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturer's instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia and any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.

Prepare a bleach solution by mixing 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water or 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water. Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g. concentration, application method and contact time, etc). For soft (porous) surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes remove visible contamination if present and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces.

Launder items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely, or Use products with the EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims that are suitable for porous surfaces.

Clothing, towels, linens and other items that go in the laundry

Wear disposable gloves when handling dirty laundry from an ill person and then discard after each use. If using reusable gloves, those gloves should be dedicated for cleaning and disinfection of surfaces for COVID-19 and should not be used for other household purposes. Clean hands immediately after gloves are removed.

If no gloves are used when handling dirty laundry, be sure to wash hands afterwards. If possible, do not shake dirty laundry. This will minimize the possibility of dispersing virus through the air. Launder items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items. Clean and disinfect clothes hampers according to guidance above for surfaces. If possible, consider placing a bag liner that is either disposable (can be thrown away) or can be laundered.

Here at The Houses On Manzanita Beach we're taking precautions to work with our cleaning staff to ensure their safety.

We value the safety of our guests and staff. We've taken the following steps in addition to the CDC cleaning guidelines as outlined above:

We are following all mandated requirements (and more) of Tillamook County, Oregon, our regulating agency.
We are following the Airbnb Covid-19 guidelines for hosts.
We are using hotel grade disinfecting equipment for cleans after guests depart and before the arrival of our cleaning staff;
We have provided disposable PPEs for all cleaning staff, unique to each clean;
Tillamook County and the City of Manzanita has requested we remove as much porous, decorative items and extraneous bedding as possible.
We have removed decorative throw pillows and blankets, duvets, games and puzzles, and condiments until the Covid-19 epidemic has passed.
Beds will each feature barriers for mattresses and pillows; we will now offer only one pillow per guest, and each bed will have two washable blankets.

What Can Guests Do?

Vacation Rentals can be a good lodging solution for those that travel during the pandemic.

According to one New York Times article: Meeting at a neutral site, like a vacation home rental will decrease the chances of encountering other strangers while preserving your own bubble or your newly enlarged one.

If you're feeling sick, please stay home for the safety of everyone. If you have any questions, please let us or the managers of your own accommodation know.

Please be considerate of the community you're visiting. Here in Manzanita our businesses are requiring customers to wear masks before entering. Disposable gloves are also a plus.

Your vacation rental proprietors will have spare masks and gloves on hand in case you need them. Just ask!

Adhere to 6' social distancing guidelines or other guidelines provided by the business you're visiting.

Tillamook County and the City of Manzanita are requesting our visitors bring as much foodstuff with them so as not to deplete local stock.

They are also requesting vacation rental operators collect contact information for each guest staying at our properties in case contact tracing is necessary.

We Appreciate Your Patience During These Crazy Times.

In the meantime, have you cleaned your phone lately? Yep, many of us cannot do without our handy dandy mobile phone. But did you know the little beast harbors lots of germs? Check out this article about how to safely clean your phone.

Or check out this Travel Oregon resource for Covid-19 travel alerts for Oregon.

Looking for the perfect Oregon Coast escape?

Then come stay at our Manzanita Beach Rentals! Our rentals are private houses located right on the seven mile Manzanita Beach below the at the foot of Neahkahnie Mountain. At our beautiful rentals, you can have a front row view to the sunsets every night.

Thank you for considering us for a future Oregon Coast getaway.