Health and Safety

We want you to be aware of the extra efforts we are making to keep Sandy Cove as safe and healthy an environment as possible, as we take all reasonable measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We are following the guidance provided by the CDC and local health departments and ask you and/or your family to follow all current state and local regulations as well.

SYMPTOMS:

All guests will fill out a 5 question screening form at check in, showing that they are not experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Additionally, guests will sign off on an “Assumption of Risk” form, indicating they understand possible risks of being here and that though Sandy Cove is taking many precautions, we cannot guarantee that anyone won’t get sick. (You may review that document HERE)

All staff fill out the same 5 question screening form each day when reporting to work, and also get their temperature checked daily as well.

Anyone with symptoms will be prohibited from working / staying and instead will be isolated and/or sent home.

MASKS:

Guests over 5 years old are asked to comply with State regulations by wearing a mask while indoors in common areas (outside of guest rooms) Reasonable efforts to have 2-5 years olds wear masks inside are encouraged as well. If you are unable to wear a mask for any reason, please wait to come to Sandy Cove until restrictions have been eased

All staff will wear masks when indoors, unless working alone in their offices. Staff will wear masks outdoors when interacting with guests, and distancing is not possible.

Social distancing of at least 6 feet is expected between non-family groups, and certain areas are marked with tape on the floor to aid in this practice.

CLEANING:

We have strengthened our standard cleaning procedures, while adding increased frequency measures for things such as wiping down common touchpoints and activity equipment. 

• We will clean and disinfect luggage carts as often as possible during check-in and check-out. In addition, disinfecting wipes will be located in the front lobby if you wish to wipe down a luggage cart for yourself.
• Common areas throughout all of our buildings, and public restrooms on each floor of the main building will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected twice daily. Disinfecting wipes and toilet seat protectors will also be available in each public restroom. Please DO NOT FLUSH the disinfecting wipes.
• Hand sanitizer and wipes stations will be placed strategically throughout the property in order to help you keep your hands and personal items cleaned and disinfected. While these will be available for your use at any time, please be reminded that the CDC recommends proper hand washing with soap and hot water for 30 seconds over the use of hand sanitizer.
• Couches have been removed and other furniture set up to help maintain safe distancing for all guests. We ask that you please refrain from moving any furniture in common areas.
• All guest room sheets, blankets, and towels are laundered in-house, using professional cleaning equipment, commercial laundry detergent, and bleach to disinfect. High-touch surfaces will be disinfected twice during the cleaning process.
• To keep your room as germ free as possible, we will not be performing daily tidies during your stay. You should have enough toilet paper and other amenities for the number of days you are registered. Trash and soiled linens you would like removed from your room may be placed outside your door after breakfast each morning. Our floating housekeepers will take care of removing those items. Should you need any extra items during your stay, please contact the front desk by dialing “0”.

FOOD SERVICE, SNACKS & VENDING:

Food preparation continues to follow or exceed all Maryland health department regulations. Our food service team is cleaning high-traffic areas, workstations, and equipment more than required using CDC and EPA approved food-grade cleaner and sanitizer. All food service staff are required to wash their hands and change their gloves between each task or every fifteen minutes when doing the same task.

• Current regulations require all food to be served as takeout. Food may be consumed in guest rooms, common areas, and outdoors. Tables have been arranged to maintain distancing between non-family groups, to minimize risk.
• We will have trash receptacles available throughout the property. We ask that you help us keep things clean by disposing of food and packaging in the trash receptacles.
• Due to the take-out style of meals, we will be offering a simplified menu. Breakfast will be continental/grab-and-go in style with fresh fruit, yogurt, assorted pastries and boiled eggs. Hot food items will be served lunch and dinner along with boxed salads and packaged dessert items. Kid-friendly items will be available at all meals.
• We are happy to accommodate special diets including gluten-free, low-sodium, low-sugar and basic vegetarian. You are welcome to bring your own food if you have more restrictive needs.
• The poolside Snack Shop will be CLOSED this summer, however a variety of snack items are available for sale just outside the dining room each evening Mon – Sat.
• As always, our Front Desk has a variety of candy and snacks available and our drink vending machines will be stocked.
• Complimentary coffee will continue to be available 24 hours each day. The coffee machine will be cleaned and disinfected regularly throughout the day.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, POOL & MARINA:

Unstaffed outdoor activities such as disc golf, basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard, mini golf and tennis will be available. You may disinfect equipment with the wipes provided at each activity, or sign equipment out from the front desk that has been disinfected for you. If you would prefer not to use shared equipment, you are welcome to bring your own.

Palmer activity center will be open each day as well, though masks should be worn, as it is a common indoor area.

Adventure activities will continue to have age limits and require waivers. Cleaning and disinfecting protocols will be initiated by staff, to keep equipment safe for participants.

The marina will be open Mon – Sat through Labor Day, then Saturdays throughout fall, with canoes, kayaks,  paddle boats, etc. available for use, weather permitting. All life jackets and paddles will be cleaned and disinfected between each guest use. If you would prefer not to use shared equipment, you may also bring your own United States Coast Guard approved Type II or Type III life jackets.

Our main pool complex will be open through Labor Day. Current Maryland guidelines require Sandy Cove to limit the number of guests at the pool to 125 people, as well as maintain appropriate physical distancing while on the pool deck. Pool hours are Mon - Sat, 1-5 pm. Towel service at the pool will be unavailable this summer. Please pack towels for you and/or your family to use at the pool. After Labor Day, the enclosed sports pool will be available, with a capacity of 26 people.

Because the situation with COVID-19 continues to change daily, we will adapt and adjust our protocols and procedures as we follow the guidance provided by the CDC and local health departments in our efforts to help keep our guests and staff safe.

You and/or your family will be asked to follow all current state and local regulations as long as they are in place. Parents are responsible for their children’s compliance with these regulations and therefore, children need to be with one or both parents at all times.

Ultimately, the choice for you and/or your family to come to Sandy Cove is a personal one, and entirely up to you. If you are uncomfortable for any reason with protocols in place, unable to participate in any of the expectations we are asking of the community, or fall into a “high risk” category relative to COVID-19, including being unable to wear a mask for medical reasons, we ask that you wait to attend until a time when fewer restrictions may be required.

 
updated 8/11/20