Covid-19 Updates

Covid-19 Updates

Please check here for our latest updates regarding the Covid-19 situation. This is an evolving matter and be assured that The Royal Yacht is doing all that we can to assure you that in this time of uncertainty; your safety, comfort and well-being remains our highest priority.  The details below are not an exhaustive list, but an overview of the measures currently in place.  Please feel free to contact the hotel if you have any further queries or require additional information.

UPDATE 12.04.2021

Jersey moves into Stage 5 of the Reconnection roadmap from today, 12 April 2021 meaning further easing of restrictions, including new guidance for physical distancing, and gathering limits etc.

• No limits on size of gatherings in venues, such as controlled wedding receptions, wakes etc.
• 2m physical distancing no longer law, but 2m recommended where possible, 1m minimum.
• Masks must still be worn by public in indoor places, plus contact details provided in some venues.
• Parts of the hotel premises still remain closed: including the saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs and Jacuzzis in Spa Sirene.
• The Drift area continues to open for the purpose of serving food and drink only, with no dancing etc as yet.

UPDATE 18.02.2021

We are delighted and grateful to be able to announce that as from Monday 22 February;

• Cafe Zephyr reopens from 09.00am, serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon menu and dinner.
• Seated food service only is permitted which will include the service of alcohol where a substantial food offering is being partaken of.
• Reservations will be taken for no more than 10 people.
• Seated time is limited to two and a half hours.
• Last service time is 10pm and all customers must vacate the premises at 10.30pm.
• Standing service still remains prohibited.
• The total number of covers permitted at any time will be limited by the requirement to maintain 2 metres physical distancing between seated customers at different tables at all times.

• The Hotel re-opens to allow on-island residents to stay, this will be in line with all local legislation which means that Spa Facilities, and the hotels’ Residents bar are not available to frequent until such time guidelines change.

Consumption of alcohol
Alcohol can only be served with a main meal. Examples of what this constitutes include:
• A main course item ordered from a menu.
• A combination of two “starters” ordered together to be consumed by the person ordering.
• A combination of one “starter” with two sides ordered together to be consumed by the person ordering.
• A minimum of three side orders or tapas portions ordered together to be consumed by the person ordering.

Alcohol can only be ordered at the same time as the meal or whilst the meal is being eaten. No new orders for alcohol can be placed once a customer has finished eating. For example, if a customer
intends to order a digestif of any kind it must be ordered with or during a final course of food.

We continue to operate a strict policy of track and trace for all customers frequenting the hotel, and the wearing of masks is compulsory in all area’s of the hotel- both by staff and members of the public.  Please note that temperature checks will also be in operation on arrival to the premises.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you require any further information or assistance.

UPDATE 16.11.2020

In light of today’s new public health measures, please note that as from 02am on Friday 20 November;

• The hotels’ public outlets will be required to close at 10pm, and customers will have to leave the premises by 10.30pm.
• The number of people who can attend formal gatherings will reduce from 40 people to 20 people.
• A maximum of 10 persons will be allowed at a table in the bars/restaurants.

We continue to operate a strict policy of track and trace for all customers frequenting the hotel, and strongly encourage the wearing of masks in all area’s of the hotel- both by staff and members of the public.

Please see link https://www.gov.je/News/2020/Pages/COVIDAdditionalMeasures.aspx for further information and guidance.

As always the continued good health and welfare of all our staff and guests is uppermost in all that we do.  Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you require any further information or assistance.

UPDATE 01.09.2020

Travelling to Jersey:- 

Information for those persons off island wishing to travel to Jersey; please see current information on https://www.gov.je/Health/Coronavirus/Travel/Pages/CoronavirusTravelAdvice.aspx

This guidance applies to everyone travelling into the Bailiwick of Jersey including Jersey residents.

It applies to all passengers aged 11 and older, regardless of how they arrive in Jersey, the length of their intended stay, or the frequency of their travel to and from Jersey.

UPDATE

In light of current restrictions, contained on the government website at https://www.gov.je/Health/Coronavirus/BusinessAndEmployment/Pages/CoronavirusBusinessAdvice.aspx in the section under Hotels and “On site leisure facilities”, jacuzzis, plunge pools, steam rooms, saunas, Turkish baths, and any environment similar to any of those facilities must remain closed. As these restrictions are lifted as part of the Government’s safe exit strategy the advice on the above website will change, and we will action and update our facilities and services accordingly.

**Also, due to local guidelines all guests must follow the strict 1 metre distancing rule at all times in the spa area, If you are arriving from another country please refrain from using any spa facilities or booking any treatments until you have received a negative test result.

UPDATE 25.07.2020

The Royal Yacht Covid-19 Phase 2 Policy

Management Overview

The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented and unlike any crisis we, as a hospitality industry have had to face before. We have been navigating this journey over the past few months, and now as we proceed into the next phase, below is an update on the current procedures in place.  Level 2 is about being safer together as we move towards a ‘new normal’ of living with COVID-19. Together, we must achieve a balance of becoming more social, gathering a little more, opening activities, and beginning some connectivity off-Island without triggering an upsurge of infections.

Guests visiting from the UK or overseas

Guests that travelling/have recently travelled to Jersey are required to follow the Safer Travel policy.

Note that arriving guests that have opted to have a PCR test on arrival in Jersey are exempt from the requirement to self-isolate while awaiting their test result.  Such passengers are encouraged to take reasonable steps to limit the time they spend away from their residence and to limit their social contact during this time.

In the event that a guest receives a positive PCR test result the confirmed case will be contacted by the contact tracing team to explain the requirements on them to isolate.  The contact tracing team will also contact the accommodation provider as part of this process. The contact tracing team will discuss with the confirmed case whether they are able to isolate within their current accommodation and can provide guidance on what support and services are available from the Government of Jersey to help them.  Where it is not possible for the individual to isolate within their current accommodation an alternative will be found.

Responsibilities of the hotel / accommodation

Privacy

Individuals in isolation must have their rights with respect to their protection of their personal health information maintained.

This means that, information about the individual’s health situation should only be discussed with those staff members directly involved with assisting quarantine. In practice this may include relevant laundry and catering staff.

Provision of Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Hotels to make disposable gloves available to the cleaning, catering and laundry staff.

Disposable gloves should always be worn while cleaning the room, toilets and other common areas, and when handling food and dirty laundry. Dispose of gloves if they become damaged or soiled or when cleaning is completed. If gloves become damaged during use, remove and wash hands for 20 seconds and replace with new gloves.

In line with the Government of Jersey guidance on PPE for health, care and essential workers, no other PPE will be required as hotel staff should have no reason to get any closer than 1 metre to guests with COVID-19.

Collection of guest info

As per local legislation, we have been advised, where practicable, to keep a record of people who are using their services or who attend such a gathering. This information should only be collected with the consent of the person. If consent is not given this should not be used as a reason to prevent them from access to your service. These records will only be requested by officers responsible for contact tracing if it is necessary to do so, in view of a particular risk of transmission, and in order to protect public health in view of risk posed by Covid-19.

The Government recognises the need for us to ensure compliance with our obligations under the Data Protection (Jersey) Law 2018 when we process personal information for these purposes.  This data is being gathered specifically for potential future contact tracing, (if needed).  It will be held for 21 days only and then appropriately and safely disposed of, in accordance with the Law.

Residential guests

Contact details collected & stored on check in and on the hotel PMS, Protel.

Spa Guests/Members

Contact details collected & stored on check in and on the Spa system, Premier Spa.

Restaurant & bar outlets

Contact details collected & stored on the F&B system, Restaurant Diary and through the use of the secure online system, Sprout.

Outlets Overview

 Seating Arrangements

A reservation-only service is promoted in order to control numbers/staggering of guest arrival time etc.

At time of booking/arrival, confirm that guests/customers do not have Covid-19 symptoms

Arrange tables and chairs to facilitate physical distancing of at least 1 metre.

Review booking numbers that can safely be accommodated in each of the outlets/

Space tables and chairs with regard to the potential proximity to exits/staff and service area’s.

Do not allow people to queue in any of the outlets.

Do not allow customers to sit at tables until they have been cleared and sanitised

Disposable Menu’s in use in all outlets.

Delivery and removal of food and drink to diners should, where possible, be undertaken in a way that supports physical distancing.

Queuing and circulation

Minimise and control customers queuing for services or using toilet facilities.

Allow sufficient circulation space for staff and customers to allow adequate physical distancing.

Ensure exceptional standards of hygiene and sanitising in food and drinks services.

 Kitchen Overview

Physical distancing guidelines should be followed at every stage of food production – this includes supplier delivery, food preparation and service.

Assess how many members of staff can safely undertake the work, whilst meeting the requirements of physical distancing. This can include separation by area or by time.

 Hygiene Overview

Do not prepare and handle food if you’re feeling unwell or if you have any symptoms of COVID-19.

Wash your hands, maintain personal hygiene

This is more important than ever, especially for anyone working to prepare meals for the public. Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly and maintain good personal hygiene.

Ensure hand-washing facilities have a constant supply of warm running water, soap and single use paper towel at all times.

Hands should be washed:

• on arrival at work.
• on entering any service area.
• before handling any food.
• after touching anything that customers, staff or delivery drivers may have contaminated.
• after touching hand contact surfaces such as handrails, door handles, light switches.
• always after using the toilet or going into the toilet areas.
• after touching your face, sneezing or coughing.
• in between all tasks.
• after smoking.
• after handling and opening packaging, money, receipts, and cleaning supplies.
• after removing gloves and aprons and before putting on new ones.
• any time your hands are contaminated.
• after touching rubbish.
• Regularly.

Procedures for guest in-room isolation

Room Service Overview

Food trays, dishes, and cutlery

• Food and drinks orders should be delivered to outside the occupant’s room and the occupant should take the food into the room only when the corridor is clear.
• The occupier should place all used cutlery/plates etc back on the trolley and move to the corridor when ready for collection, after thoroughly washing their hands.
• It is recommended to let the occupants have their own dedicated cutlery (plates, bowls, knives, forks, spoons, glasses etc) throughout their stay to reduce the risk of cross contamination.
• Disposable gloves should be worn when handling the used trays, dishes and cutlery.
• Any disposables should be discarded with other general waste (see guidance on waste disposal above).
• Wash reusable dishes and cutlery in a dishwasher with detergent and hot water as usual.

Housekeeping Overview

Linen, towels and clothing

• Fresh linen and towels may be delivered to the occupant at an appropriate frequency (they may need to change their linen more frequently if feverish).
• The linen and towels should be left at the door and the occupant made aware it’s available for them to take in for them to change on their own.
• If linen, towels or clothing require laundering they should be collected in a laundry bag.
• Dirty linen, towels or clothing should be secured in a laundry bag by the occupant and left in the room for a minimum of 72 hours before being put out for collection.
• When ready to remove the occupant should wash their hands thoroughly (following the 20 second rule) before placing in the corridor and making the staff aware it is ready for collection.

Laundry

• Laundry staff should wear gloves when handling laundry from the guest’s room.
• It should be emptied directly from the laundry bag into the washing machine and laundered on a normal hot cycle then air or tumble dried.

Waste management

• Waste should be double bagged by the occupant within their room and left for 72 hours before being put out for collection.
• When ready to remove, the occupant should wash their hands thoroughly (following the 20 second rule) before placing in the corridor and making the hotel aware it’s ready for collection.
• The hotel staff should remove this immediately while using disposable gloves and masks followed by handwashing.

Room cleaning

• The cleaning of rooms should be deferred until the end of the isolation period.
• Some cleaning tasks may be able to be undertaken by the guest in isolation if provided with appropriate cleaning equipment.
• The occupier should be provided disinfectant, wipes and tissues to help them control the spread of the virus in the room.
• The use of disposable equipment, especially disposable cloths, is strongly recommended, with a fresh cloth used for each room. If other cloths are used they should be laundered in hot water wash before re-use.
• The room should be left for 72 hours after the isolating guest has departed before being cleaned.

Cleaning products

• While the virus may survive on some surfaces from hours to several days, routine cleaning products are effective at disinfecting these surfaces.

 Disinfection of special areas

• In addition to routine cleaning, the following surfaces in the room which are commonly touched should be disinfected:

• door handles and light switches
• tables and counters
• armrests of chairs (if not fabric)
• TV buttons and remote controls, telephones, air conditioner (A/C) buttons and remote controls, kettle handles, fridge door handles
• bathroom including door handle, door lock, toilet seat and buttons, taps, wash-basins, counters, shower and/or bath

Method of cleaning

• Clean the surface thoroughly with D10.  Ensure the recommended contact time occurs. Allow to dry completely.
• Adhere to any safety precautions or other label recommendations as directed (e.g. allowing adequate ventilation in confined areas such as toilets).
• Avoid using application methods that cause splashing.
• Standard disinfectants cannot be used on some surfaces, e.g. television remote controls and telephones. For these surfaces, alcohol solutions are recommended.
• Consider using impermeable and cleanable zip-lock plastic bags to hold TV and A/C remote controls as these items are likely to be handled frequently.
• If guests are permitted to leave their room or are suspected to have left their room, clean and disinfect any other areas outside the room that may have been used such as elevators (buttons and hand-rails), sauna, spa and pool areas, public telephones and vending machines.

UPDATE 12.06.2020

As an update to all our guests and customers, we are pleased to announce that in-line with local legislation and guidelines we will be moving into Phase 2 and re-opening additional elements of the hotel for those who wish to stay, dine and enjoy Spa treatments with us.  Please note that operational and service levels have been amended to conform to local legislation and therefore some areas’ of the hotel and Spa remain closed to the public at this point in time.  We hope to have all services up and running as continued relaxation of the guidelines occur.

Our commitment remains to provide you, our guests with memorable experiences.  However, of paramount importance is the health and well-being of both our customers and staff.  We continue to adapt and improve our procedures and services to both comply with the guidelines of re-opening, but also to optimise our offering to you, the guest.  We acknowledge that this means some compromises to our norm here at the hotel, but would hope that you understand and appreciate that this is essential in maintaining the safety of all.

Our Guests;

As before-

• Our al-fresco and dining areas’ will only be accessible from the main hotel entrance.
• On arrival; all guests will be asked to sanitise their hands.
• All guests will be escorted to their tables, these will all have been sanitised prior to guest being seated.
• We will be operating a dine only service & advance bookings are essential.
• Only guests of the same household all permitted to sit at the same table.
• We will be using paper menus, and these will be disposed of after each guest.
• Our toilets will be available for only one guest at a time (toilets will be sanitised at least once per hour).
• A ‘one-way’ walk through system has been introduced (where possible).  We kindly ask all guests to adhere to it, our staff will be doing likewise.
• All guests must vacate the premises by 22.00.  (TBC)

In addition-

Hotel:

• Guests are asked about health status at time of enquiry/booking.
• In-Room check- in and check-out process available.
• Residential areas and lifts etc are deep cleaned and sanitised frequently.
• Turn down service not currently available to limit the amount of access to guest rooms.
• In room stationery, magazines and minibars etc have been removed as considered non-essential items.
• Luggage drops not available to guests, unless necessary for guest mobility.
• Deep cleaning to be done after each guest departs, adhering to both hotel policy and local guidelines.

Spa:

• Gym only to be used by hotel residents only (numbers be closely monitored).
• Our sauna, steam room and aromatherapy steam room will remain closed for the moment.
• Treatments available, however increased time between appointments to ensure sufficient time for airing and sanitising of treatment rooms.
• Appropriate PPE to be worn by staff at all times, no sharing of equipment etc and use of disposable items where possible to safeguard client and staff safety as much as possible.

Our Team:

• Ongoing training & guidance being given to all our staff in regard to the latest safety & hygiene policies.
• Appropriate equipment available for all our employees.

Please note that the above list is not exhaustive, just some of the processes that we are implementing in order to welcome our guests back in the safest way that we can,

Please contact the team on 01534 720511 in order to make your reservations or Spa Sirène on 01534 615425 if we can assist you further with any queries,  We look forward to welcoming back our Royal Yacht friends.

UPDATE 09.05.2020

To all our guests and customers, we are pleased to announce that we will be shortly re-opening our al-fresco area for those who would like to come to dine with us.

Our commitment to keep providing our guests with memorable experiences, is still of the utmost importance to us; but in such times our primary concern is to ensure everyone’s safety. As such we have had to adapt our service in order to ensure this. Please see below just some of the procedures we have adopted to adhere to current guidelines.  We will be monitoring service closely on a daily basis, and making further changes if needed.

Our Guests

• Our al-fresco will only be accessible from the main hotel entrance.
• On arrival; all guests will be asked to sanitise their hands.
• All guests will be escorted to their tables, these will all have been sanitised prior to guest being seated.
• We will be operating a dine only service & advance bookings are essential.
• Only guests of the same household all permitted to sit at the same table.
• We will be using paper menus, and these will be disposed of after each guest.
• Our toilets will be available for only one guest at a time (toilets will be sanitised at least once per hour).
• A ‘one-way’ walk through system has been introduced (where possible).  We kindly ask all guests to adhere to it, our staff will be doing likewise.
• All guests must vacate the premises by 22.00.
• Our toilet facilities have an air exchange system in which all the air is switched out periodically throughout the air.

Our Team

• Training & guidance has been given to all our team members in regard to the latest safety & hygiene policies.
• Appropriate equipment available for all our employees.
• Separate toilet facilities utilised by our team.
• Longer breaks between each food service, in order for shared areas to be thoroughly sanitised.

Please contact the team on 01534 720511 in order to make your table reservation or if we can assist you further with any queries,  We look forward to welcoming you back and send kindest wishes to all our Royal Yacht friends and clients. Click here to view menu

UPDATE 24.03.2020

To all our regular guests, this is an update to let you all know that as from 21.00 this evening (Tuesday 24^th March) we will be closing Café Zephyr and its Al Fresco area to the public.  It will remain open to serve our in-house hotel residents and for those who wish to avail of our Take-Away service.  Whilst currently a collection service, we are looking to offer delivery’s to certain parts of the island soon, and will let you know as soon as we are up and ready!

We would like to thank you for all your kind thoughts and wishes for our staff during these unprecedented times, and we wish you all good health until we see you back with us again soon.

===   ===   ===   ===   ===   ===   ===   ===   ===   ===   ===   ===   ===   ===   ===   ===

UPDATE 23.03.2020

In light of recent States of Jersey guidelines and subsequent changes, we thought it best to get in touch with you, our valued guests with an update of where we stand as a business.

We took the difficult decision to close Sirocco and our first floor outlets early last week, including our meeting and event spaces.  Following on from there, we have closed The Drift, Cabin and Grill outlets.

Spa Sirène is due to close to all members and the public from 21.00 tonight.  This includes the gym, pool and treatment rooms.

The hotel bedrooms remain open and in use; with Café Zephyr and its Al Fresco area currently open, primarily for the use of hotel residents and those members of the public who wish to dine with us.

We are strictly adhering to all health and safety guidelines in regards to both the residential and public areas’ of the hotel.

• Tables are well spaced both inside Café Zephyr and on the Al Fresco Area.
• Our normal menus’ have been replaced with single use menu’s that can be used and then disposed of. Single serve condiments are also being utilised where possible.
• Staff are operating with the highest standards of hygiene in mind, including sanitising before and after seating/speaking with guests.
• There is only table service in operation on site- with the bar area closed to both residents and members of the public.
• Our Take Away menu is being finalised just now, we aim to have it up and running as soon as possible- so that you can avail of Zephyr’s food offering in the comfort of your own homes.
• The bedrooms and residential areas of the hotel are being cleaned and sanitised in line with all the current legislation- please rest assured that every effort is being made to ensure the safety and comfort of all our guests.

States of Jersey advice and guidelines are changing on a daily basis, please know that we will adapt and change in line with this.

Whilst we’re uncertain of what may happen over the coming few weeks, we will continue to support our staff, guests, customers, and the local Jersey community as best we can. We remain committed to getting through these uncertain times.  We thank you for all your kind thoughts and wishes during this ever-changing period.

___   ___   ___   ___   ___   ___   ___   ___   ___   ___   ___   ___   ___

17.03.2020

We understand that you may be experiencing stress given the rapidly changing information on travel restrictions and cancelled or postponed public events. We want you to know that we are monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation closely, keeping those who are affected in our thoughts, and are listening carefully to the questions and concerns we receive from guests such as yourself.

Throughout all of this, our aim is to provide the norm; the calm; the familiar and to continue serving you as we have always done so.

When You Book

Please have confidence that when you book to stay at the Royal Yacht Hotel we are doing everything we can to have your chosen accommodation ready for you as normal with our usual high standards of care and attention.  We are also closely monitoring the World Health Organization (WHO), the UK Government, and local health agencies for the latest developments related to COVID-19 and following the guidance of government and public health officials. We are implementing these agencies’ guidance on the appropriate health and safety measures with our own hotel management team.

When you Stay

We recognize that the COVID-19 virus requires each of us to be more mindful as we go through our daily activities.

Our hotel is working hard to ensure that we meet the latest guidance from the local health agencies and WHO on hygiene and cleanliness throughout the business.  Providing a safe and clean environment for our guests and colleagues is always a top priority for us, but even more so today.  We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of cleanliness, and want you to feel at ease when you visit The Royal Yacht Hotel, knowing you’ll experience the quality you have come to expect from us.

The below precautionary and response measures are helping us continue to provide a safe and clean environment:

• Our hotel teams are receiving ongoing briefings and enhanced operating protocols.
• We have increased the frequency of cleaning all our public areas (including reception, elevators, door handles, public bathrooms, etc.) and have continued the use of industrial-grade disinfectant.
• We will continue to adjust food and beverage service in accordance with current food safety recommendations.
• We have increased the deployment of antibacterial hand sanitizers.

Spa Sirène, the hotel bars and restaurants are all currently open as normal.  However, we have looked to amend both service and procedures to align with current guidelines.  These practices will undoubtedly evolve over the coming days and weeks.  For up to date news, please check back here.

Assistance with existing and future bookings

If you need advice on booking or to amend reservations made direct with us, please contact the hotel reservations team who are available to help.  If you need to adjust reservations made through another travel site or booking agent, please contact them for assistance.

Given the impact of COVID-19 on how we work, entertain and travel, we have been adapting our cancellation policy over the past several weeks to the evolving nature of this epidemic. We endeavour to provide our customers as much flexibility as we can during these challenging times. Generally speaking, for guests with existing individual reservations, including reservations with pre-paid/non-refundable rates that are typically more restrictive, we will allow date changes/postponements to a new booking within 2020 without a charge up to 24 hours prior to arrival as long as the change is made by 31^st March 2020 for bookings with a travel date prior to 30^th April. Please note that rate changes would apply to your new booking. For guests making new individual reservations between today and 31^st March, 2020, we will allow those reservations to be changed or postponed at no charge up to 24 hours before a guest’s scheduled arrival date for bookings arriving until 31^st May 2020. Please contact the hotel reservations team for the most up-to-date information and for additional details about availability and exclusions.

For those with conference and event enquiries, please contact the C&E Team directly who are available to assist with any queries you may have.

We will endeavour to keep you updated through this dynamic circumstance, and if there is anything you require from us or additional ways we can assist, please let us know. Most importantly, we wish good health for you and your families.  Together; we will navigate this situation.

Alcino Vieira

GENERAL MANAGER