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The following are the protocols adopted by Senderos Nativos to deal with the COVID – 19 considering the recommendations and regulations of the Ministry of Health, the National Tourism Service, and other authorities in charge of the pandemic contingency.
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What is covid-19
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 which generates flu-like symptoms and in some cases severe respiratory infection and disorder. It should be noted that the spread of Covid happens because the virus is transmitted from person to person via the respiratory tract, entering the body through the mucous membranes of eyes, nose and mouth. It may also sometimes be transmitted through surfaces or objects where the virus can be present.
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Symptoms of covid 19
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Responsibilities of the company
Guides and drivers are obliged to wear face masks for the entire duration of the service and try to maintain a distance of at least 1.5 metres from the passengers.
At the beginnig of each service, the guide and/or driver will provide the information about preventive measures indicating recommendations such as frequent hand washing, correct use of masks, the correct way to sneeze, proper social distancing, etc. He/she should also check that all passengers have a mask or face shield, and should control the temperature of both passengers and staff, which should not exceed 37.8° Celsius.
One hygiene kit will be available in each vehicle for passengers and staff, including alcohol gel, disposable masks, disposable surgical gloves and a waste bag.
The driver of each vehicle must periodically check that the hygiene kit is complete. The driver shall also notify the company in advance if there is a shortage of any item to ensure prompt replenishment.
Each vehicle shall be sanitized before and after each service (internal disinfection/sanitization, sanitization of handrail areas, steering wheels, driver’s cab, luggage racks and all places exposed to passenger contact or considered as possible sources of contagion).
It is recommended that both drivers and guides handling luggage wear surgical gloves to avoid possible contagion.
In the case of attending restaurants or using local caterers, the company should corroborate and ensure that food handling protocols and regulations for handling food during a pandemic that have been recommended by the health authority are followed.
In the case of excursions, the guide must determine and inform the passengers and driver how the visit will be conducted and where the tour will take place based on reports generated by the risk assessment of contagion depending on the local health phase and the regulations and/or possible restrictions applied by the various service providers (museums, monuments, natural sites, etc.).
In the event that a guide or driver may be in the situation of a possible confirmed or suspected (investigated) COVID-19 case, he/she should immediately inform the company and refrain from performing services until negative results are confirmed.
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Passenger Responsibilities
Wearing a mask is compulsory during the entire service or excursion. Each passenger is responsible for bringing his/her own mask. However, in case of any eventuality and if necessary, the guide or driver will provide a courtesy mask.
Passengers must follow the bio safety protocols indicated by the guide and/or driver: use of alcohol gel, temperature taking, social distancing, or any other measures taken as a result of possible changes in current health regulations.
Prior to the service, each passenger must complete a simple affidavit of health status and detailed information if he/she has been in contact with COVID-19 positive persons on dates prior to the trip or excursion.
In case of Covid-19 symptoms, the passenger must desist from participating in the excursion and go immediately to a health centre to have his/her condition checked and to undergo a PCR test if necessary. In case of a positive result for COVID-19, the attending physician will decide whether the passenger should remain hospitalised or whether he/she should quarantine for 14 days in the hotel where he/she is staying or wherever he/she deems convenient. All associated costs must be paid by the passenger.
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This document is “open” to the incorporation of new information, recommendations or instructions from the Ministry of Health depending on the evolution and/or eventual spread of the virus.