Thread by @DearPandemic

1/ Q: I’m traveling this summer. Any tips for safely staying at a hotel or vacation rental?

A: Yes! 3 key things to remember: 1. Ask about infection control protocols before booking; 2. Beware high-touch surfaces + public spaces; 3. Try to book a room that wasn't used recently

2/ And, or course, #WashYourHands and #WearAMask

As for where you travel, in the words of infectious disease physician Dr. Thomas Russo, the key risk variables involve “what you decide to do…how many people you come in contact with and what part of the world you’re in.”

3/ Additional tips/resources specific to #hotel and #vacation rentals:

Hotels
🛗 Minimize time in public spaces (e.g. elevators, stairwells)
🦠 Avoid high-touch surfaces if possible; feel free to wipe down “hot spots” upon room arrival (check out this guide from @HiltonHotels

4/
📱 Substitute #tech for #touch whenever possible (e.g. opt for keyless entry via smart phone check-in)
Book at a hotel abiding by the new “Safe Stay” industry standards developed by the @AHLA American Hotel and Lodging Association: ahla.com/safestay

5/
And in the wise words of Professor Christopher Anderson, faculty member at Cornell’s famed School of Hotel Administration, @CornellSHA “No buffets, no mini-bars.” (see the full @CNN article here: cnn.com/travel/article…)

6/
Vacation rentals (@vrbo, @Airbnb)
Establish a line of trust/communication with the owner. Ask if they are following the AirBnB cleaning guidelines (see this @TODAYshow: today.com/health/it-safe…).

7/
⌛️ Pediatric infectious disease professor Dr. Andrew Janowski explains that the longer the home has been unoccupied, the better. The risk is exceedingly small after 3 days
🦠 Guidance regarding high-touch surfaces applies here, too: When you arrive, wipe them down.

8/
In summary, it’s all about minimizing risk, even if you can’t entirely eliminate it. As Dr. Russo helpfully mentions, “We can’t make the risk go to zero, so you have to pick and choose your risk battles.
#harmreduction #safety