The Corona Virus and Alma House

Alma House remains open for business.  It is essential, however, that we follow government guidelines and keep our staff, guests and suppliers safe.  We are regularly monitoring government advice and amending our procedures on a daily basis.  We wanted to let you know that we are doing everything we possibly can to keep everybody safe:-

• First and foremost all staff are following stringent health & hygiene procedures both personally and in our rooms / offices / vehicles and we are sanitising all keys / safes and laundry baskets.
• All staff are aware of the symptoms of Coronavirus and understand they should stay at home at the first sign of any symptoms.  We ask that all guests and suppliers follow the same procedures – see below for more details.
• As well as cleaning Alma House to it’s usual high standard of cleanliness we are completing additional sanitising including all communal areas.
• We are asking all suppliers to deliver to the bottom of the front steps to minimise their contact with the house and staff.
• Our office staff are now working from home where possible but are available to answer any guest queries and enquiries.  Please call rather than coming to Alma House to avoid social contact.
• We are able to offer self-check in for arrivals so that you do not need to come into contact with our staff.
• Current guidelines suggest that it is safe to go outside so long as you maintain a distance of 2m from others.  There are lots of parks and areas open for people to walk in and this is good for physical and mental well being.  You should however avoid pubs and restaurants.

These are troubling times but together we’ll get through it and if we all follow government instructions, it will pass all the quicker.  Please keep yourselves and your loved ones safe and remember that whilst you might not be at personal risk from coronavirus we all have a responsibility to the elderly and more vulnerable in society.  Thank you so much for supporting us during this incredibly difficult period. 

Please keep up to date with all the latest information on BBC news, NHS, WHO and Government websites.

COVID 19 Information for Visitors and Employees

For people who have travelled to or from a highly affected area, in the last 14 days, or who have come into contact with those that have done the same, we ask that you responsibly declare this to our staff prior to arrival.

To protect yourself and others we ask you to follow current World Health Organisation guidelines on hygiene and protection measures including:-

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water to kill viruses that may be on your hands.  If you are unable to wash your hands use anti-bacterial gel to protect yourself and others from germs.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth to avoid the virus entering your body.

• Social distancing of 2 metres is recommended and you should avoid handshaking and hugs.

• Follow good respiratory hygiene if you sneeze or cough.  This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or a disposable tissue.  Dispose of the tissue immediately and wash your hands.

• Stay informed with up to date information and follow advice recommended on government, NHS or World Health Organisation websites.

*If you display symptoms of Coronavirus – high temperature, persistent cough and usual signs of flu such as headaches and aching limbs you should self-isolate for 7 days.  If you are in a household, everybody in the household needs to self-isolate for 14 days.  Do not go to the Doctors or A&E.  If you require medical assistance you should call NHS 111 and if you experience extreme symptoms such as breathing difficulties you should contact emergency services.

*This advice has been developed for educational purposes and is correct at the time of publication.  It is not a substitute for professional medical advice.  Should you have any questions or concerns please consult a medical profession by calling NHS 111.