Hosts for Humanity recognizes that Covid-19 is something that has changed the world. With this in mind, we felt it was important to provide resources and updates that will foster honest and transparent discussion between participants. The following guidelines are based on guidance from the World Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control. You should also monitor local updates and government travel advisories.
Furthermore, we understand that people are different and that these measures cannot eliminate all risk. As such, if you are at higher risk we encourage you to make informed decisions by obtaining professional guidance and taking extra precautions.
1) Don’t travel or host if you’ve recently been exposed to or have symptoms of COVID-19
Hosts and their housemates should not interact with the guests, and guests should not check into a accommodation, if any of the following are true:
- They are actively infected or have tested positive with COVID-19 in the past 30 days
- They suspect they are sick or have been exposed and are awaiting test results to confirm or deny a diagnosis of COVID-19
- They are showing symptoms or are concerned about possible infection of COVID-19
- They, within the last 10 days, have had close contact with an individual confirmed or suspected to be infected with COVID-19
2) Stay Up-to-Date on Covid-19 vaccines and boosters
The CDC states that Covid-19 vaccines are the best way to slow the spread of coronavirus. The vaccines are effective at preventing you from getting sick and highly effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death.
Hosts for Humanity acknowledges that not all individuals may be eligible for vaccines. We also acknowledge that some groups of individuals are at higher risk of contracting coronavirus, making vaccinated interactions highly important to them. As such, we encourage hosts and guests to have conversations about vaccination status of all individuals prior to stays.
3) Wear a mask
Currently, public health officials recommend properly wearing a well fitted mask indoors in public areas where there is substantial community transmission. This is especially true if someone in your household is high risk or is not up to date on vaccines. For guests and hosts this may pertain to interactions in shared common areas. Guests and hosts should discuss if and where masks should be worn during the stay.
4) Follow social-distancing guidelines
The CDC recommends 6 feet of social distance if you are sick, not up to date on covid vaccines, or are at high risk of getting very sick. Social distancing should be used in conjunction with properly fitted mask usage. Guests and hosts should discuss the necessity for social-distancing with honesty and transparency before a family’s stay.
5) Keep good hygiene
- Be sure to wash your hands often, especially after interacting with others or touching surfaces and items in shared spaces. To wash your hands properly use soap and water and rub for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, coating your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
- Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of the used tissue immediately into a closed bin and wash your hands.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces frequently, especially those which are regularly touched, such as door handles, faucets and phone screens.