June 08th, 2020

Norm’s Cabin – What to expect with regards to COVID19 in 2020

Before you arrive
In addition to the waiver form to fill out and send back, we will be sending a short COVID19 questionnaire and code of conduct to fill in and sign. It is important to note that if you have any symptoms or have been exposed to COVID19 within the two-week period before your stay, we will be happy to reschedule.  Although the cabin is remote and relatively isolated, there are still people that clean and maintain the cabin to consider as well as anyone you contact during your travels here.
If you plan on renting the canoe, please bring your pfds (personal flotation device). It is difficult to ensure that pfds are virus free without damaging them.
We also recommend that you bring your own pillows.

What to expect when you arrive
When you arrive at the Stokely Creek parking area, you will be met by either myself (Carole) and/or my co-host and husband (Chris).

After going over our orientation meeting which will be held at least 2m apart, we will be giving you plasticized maps and a spot device. Both of these will have been cleaned and disinfected. We will also let you know when the last guests have left and when the cabin was cleaned.

We will then proceed to transfer your gear into the cargo area of the vehicle. This area will have a cleaned and disinfected cargo cover to place your gear on. 

From here you will hike either to the Bone Lake launching area to paddle over, or all the way to the cabin. We will be driving through the gated entrance to the trails and will head over to the boat launch area. From there we will transfer all your gear, supplies and drinking water into the canoe. We will use the same cargo cover to protect your gear in the boat and will use gloves and face masks during the transfer period.

Once we arrive at the landing dock at the cabin, we will place all your gear on the landing again wearing disposable gloves and face masks. You will have to transport your gear from the landing to the cabin. Be aware that the cabin is situated above the lake about 13m (40’) so there is a short climb up some stairs and a slope.

We will then proceed to start up the propane appliances, make the beds and set up other items for your stay. The cabin will have been cleaned up and sanitized the day before.

Cleaning of the cabin will include all common touchpoints such as keys, doorknobs, railings, chairs and table tops, window sills and handles, cabinet handles and pulls, sink and faucet, linens, bed sheets and pillow covers, futon cover, garbage bin exterior, gas light knobs, and some kitchenware. The kitchenware found on the counter has all been cleaned and sanitized. Any kitchenware found in the cabinets are not. Cleaning supplies are provided if you would like to use these items. The porch swings and canoe are wiped down and left out to open air. Items in the wood shed are not cleaned or sanitized.

Cleaning Protocols

We will be using the following cleaning protocols.

1. Wearing protective gear while cleaning. Personal protective items can provide additional protection.
2. Ventilating rooms before cleaning.  Open outside doors and windows will increase air circulation in the space before beginning to clean and sanitize.
3. Washing hands thoroughly before and after each cleaning. 
4. Clean, then sanitize. Using detergent or soap and water to remove dirt, grease, dust, and germs. Once the surface is clean, we will use a bleach solution to sanitize. We will let it stand for a few minutes, and wipe with clean cloths.
5. Avoid touching our faces while cleaning. Paying extra attention to prevent the spread of germs, by not touching our face, nose, and eyes with unwashed hands.
6. Using the right disinfectant. When approve disinfectants are unavailable, both the CDC and Health Canada are recommending at least 1000ppm (0.1%) sodium hypochlorite for disinfecting hard surfaces, ensuring contact time of at least 1 minute. The following dilution guidelines assume a starting 5% concentration: Metric: 20 mL of bleach per litre of water (1000mL) or 5mL per cup (250 mL) Imperial: 5 tablespoons (1/3cup) of bleach per gallon of water; 1 teaspoon per quart.
7. Don’t forget about the futon, and other soft, porous surfaces including throw pillows. Carefully remove any visible dirt or grime, then clean with the appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces. If possible, we will machine-wash these items.
8. Washing all linens at the highest heat setting recommended by the manufacturer. That includes bed sheets, mattress covers, hand and bath towels, kitchen towels, and blankets. We will be wearing gloves when handling dirty laundry, and take care to avoid shaking laundry, which could increase the spread of germs.
9. We will use items not past their expiration dates. 
10. Lining trash cans and recycle bin. Placing bags into trash bins will make it easier to dispose of tissues and other waste. All trash and recycling will be removed from the cabin between guests.
11. Dispose of or wash cleaning supplies. Paper towels, disinfectant wipes, and other disposable cleaning supplies will be disposed of in the trash. Cleaning cloths and other reusable products, will be machine-washed at the highest heat setting appropriate for the material before being used again.
12. Safely remove any cleaning gear. When done cleaning, we will immediately remove any protective outerwear and dispose of them or wash accordingly. Remember to wash our hands for at least 20 seconds afterwards. 

Estimated time that the virus is viable on surfaces.
Forbes.com May 24th, 2020 How Long Does Covid-19 Coronavirus Last On Different Surfaces?
 

• Paper for up to 30 minutes.
• Tissue paper for up to 30 minutes.
• Wood for up to a day.
• Cloth for up to a day.
• Glass for up to two days.
• Bank notes for up to two days.
• Stainless steel for up to four days.
• Plastic for up to four days
• The inner layer of a mask for up to four days
• The outer layer of a mask for up to seven days