While many of our guests, partners, and homeowners might already know that we take all the necessary precautions to ensure the wellbeing of all those who enjoy our estates and services, we’d like to formally voice our commitment to the heightened cleaning standards as a result of COVID-19.
We spoke with Joana Oliveira, our Operations Director, to gain a deeper understanding of the changes that have been made to the cleaning services and regime to ensure that all Omnifique homes comply with the current regulations, as established by the U.S. government.
With a law degree under her belt, and thus a problem solver by nature, few thrive more on meeting goals and finding solutions than Portugal-born, Colorado-stationed Joana Oliveira. This is what she had to say:
What do the Omnifique cleaning protocols entail?
J: We ensure compliance with all the available COVID-19 guidances, as issued by the state government and that includes abiding by the guidelines related to the specifications of the cleaning products we use.
How are Omnifique staff members appropriately trained in all COVID-19 safety measurements?
J: From the directive downward, we make sure that every single employee is given the necessary equipment, the correct products, and the latest information available related to COVID-19 safety protocols. We make sure that each time there’s a change or update in safety measurements, the entire guest services team knows what those changes are and how to remain compliant.
Are Omnifique staff members periodically tested for COVID-19?
J: Yes, of course. All our cleaning staff members are periodically tested, not just for our homeowners and guests’ safety, but for the protection of the rest of the Omnifique team. We also check the temperatures of all staff members daily. The wearing of face masks, gloves, and shoe covers, is obligatory at all times when working at a property.
Did you have to change/add products and techniques to the cleaning procedures?
J: Omnifique already employed such extremely high standards regarding the cleaning of every estate under our care that our routines and measures weren’t affected too drastically. However, we have made several decisions and implemented a variety of specific changes to the protocol that demonstrate a marked difference in how we used to prepare and clean our homes before.
For example, we now cover all remote controls in each home with sanitized covers, which we then naturally replace as each guest leaves and/or another arrives. We have also increased the attention we pay to the cleaning of high contact surfaces, including doorknobs, light switches, and the like.
What do you do to decrease the possible spread of disease between staff, guests, and homeowners?
J: In short, we take specific action to minimize the contact between staff, guests, and homeowners. For example, we now provide touchless check-in and check-out keys and other solutions, if needed or requested. We always try to accommodate special needs and requests that go above and beyond standard compliance measures, such as the wearing of face masks and social distancing.
We also put together a mobile, temporary sanitizing station in each property for guests to use during their stay, which comes equipped with disinfecting gel, face masks, wipes, and other useful high-duty cleaning products.
What measures do you take to protect an employee?
J: In general, we decided a long time ago to promote remote working whenever possible. As such, all team members who work at Omnifique behind the scenes work from home and will continue to do so until the world context makes a significant change for the better. We’re more than happy to promote this approach to the office environment. Some of our employees are actually enjoying the shift.
I think it’s also important to highlight that from the top down, we’re continuously working on the implementation of new and better safety protocols, as well as trying out new software recommendations that will help us to improve the efficiency of our in-home services.