We all want to go back to normal, while this may take time we need to carry on with the nessessry procedsures to make sure we enjoy the great outdoors once again while keeping safe. Below are the important steps we have taken that are approved by authorities to make sure that our guess as well as our guides stay safe. We ask you to take these steps seriously and cooperate with our guides so we can continue enjoying the outdoors safely.
SAFETY OPERATION PROTOCOL FOR HIKING AND OVERNIGHT CAMPING EXPERIENCES DURING THE TIME OF COVID 19:
STEPS TAKEN FOR STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES
Our commitment to regularly review and adhere to Government guidelines as per Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority recommendation.
Maintain constant and transparent communication between all team members involved in operation
Create an information policy for guests and remain vigilant in providing detailed and accurate incident reports on all positive or suspected cases of Covid-19 within the establishment. These reports should provide a clear chronology of the events and actions that have taken place and should be prepared in real-time as much as possible.
Distribute one mask to guests on arrival
Ensure that briefing for guests is clear and easy to follow instructions
SOCIAL DISTANCING
To maintain a physical distance of two (2) meters from others at all times (where applicable)
To limit contact between guides and guests unless nessasry
To provide hand sanitizer for use by guests and keep reminding guests about social distancing and thanking them for their patience as you work to ensure their safety.
To limit guests from congregating around resting areas or during a hike. Guides are to insure that guest separation while waiting or resting.
HEALTH AND HYGIENE
To regularly cleaning of gear and workrooms as it is essential to protect the health and safety of guests and staff from COVID-19.
Any beverages to be served in non-reusable cups.
Guides and guests must practice cough etiquette. Cough into your elbow or cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when you sneeze. Immediately dispose of all used tissues in an appropriate waste bag and wash your hands right away if possible, other if on the trail use hand sanitizers or alcoholic wet wipes.
Provide sanitizing before start of trip
Guides and guest to carry hand sanitizers or alcoholic wet wipes for frequent use.
The right to deny participation to anyone recording temperature above 38C in the past couple of days.
Our commitment to conduct gear sanitization after every use
To keep necessary equipment and medical kit with guides
Masks are mandatory for all guests and visitors when in public areas however not when having meals or participating in strenuous exercise.
Gloves are optional for all guests. We recommend to use non disposable gloves like hiking or cycling gloves when participating in an outdoor activity.
A commitment to keep our guides educated on maintaining personal health safety and premise hygiene.
To encourage guides to avoid touching personal items of guests such as backpacks, and to wash hands or use alcohol- based hand rub often and when they could be contaminated.
Mandatory use of masks for all guides on regular basis where applicable and not participating in strenuous exercise.
A commitment to ensure that the guides illness policy is up-to-date
MEETING AND FUNCTION FACILITY:
Meetings and functions of 10 people of less are allowed.
Social distancing should be applied with seating or activity (like hiking) arrangements.
Guides must wear masks
It is recommended that all meals be served using disposable or non-reusable tableware (cutlery, plates, cups) only. In the case that this is not possible, then tableware disinfecting is mandatory. Paper napkins to be used only.
Any food additives such as salt, pepper, and sugar must be given out in sachets and not re-useable containers.
Food and drink covers must be placed on all dishes and cups that are being served to guests at any location from the kitchen.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY:
Outdoor trips to allow only 30% of total capacity of normal days ie 5 person per guide
No external walk-ins allowed only pre-booked.
Guides should wear a mask and gloves where applicable. Please note that face masks and gloves (disposable) must be changes frequently during the shift.
Pay extra attention to high-touch areas, such as tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats (llimit multi handling during trip)
Strict commitment in enforcing guest hygiene practices by washing hands and using hand sanitizer before using gear and coughing or sneezing into a tissue.
Guest advised to use their own personal towels should they need it
If camping is organized, keep tents 3 meters apart
During camping, no sharing of tents unless you are a family or couple that is already living together in the same house, limited to max two person per tent. Otherwise each person will be occupying one tent without sharing.
Food and Beverage:
Create a safe environment for your guests with distancing during seating area.
It is highly recommended to have seating area allocated as per number of attendees ahead of time
Guides to brief the guest about seating positions clearly to avoid confusion
To deal with local restaurant that will be providing food packed to be served individually. No food sharing will be allowed.
If food is provided, it will be served using disposable cutlery/utensils and plates
Use of disposable wooden utensils and biodegradable material when ever possible to cut down on single use plastic
Guests and guest should be reminded when entering and leaving the camp area to disinfect their hands
with hand sanitizers or alcoholic wet wipes.
Insuring guides serving should perform personal hygiene (frequent regular handwashing, cough hygiene) as strictly as possible.
To ensure adequate handwashing supplies are provided and maintained.
To discard any foods that may have been contaminated from coughs or sneezes.
To regularly clean and disinfect equipment used for serving guests
Food handlers should not smoke, drink, eat or chew gum while handling food and must avoid touching their eyes,
nose, or mouth
It is important to note that all guests will have to sign a waiver/agreement before joining to agreeing to follow safety procedures.
