The surge of COVID-19 cases in many countries continues, but restrictions are now being lifted in some areas. And after months of being quarantined at home, a lot of people begin to travel and stay in a hotel amid the pandemic. But is it safe to stay in a hotel now? 

Hotels don't want their visitors to die as it would be bad for their business. So as they reopen, precautions are implemented, including mask mandates, increased cleaning, and limiting the indoor spaces' capacity.  

5 Essential Things to Do When Staying in a Hotel During the COVID-19 Pandemic
(Photo : Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)
Germany To Impose Semi-Lockdown As Coronavirus Infections Continue To Rise COLOGNE, GERMANY - OCTOBER 29: A hotel sign, illuminated in red, stands in a deserted street on October 29, 2020 in Cologne, Germany. The German government has announced that effective this coming Monday, November 2, all restaurants, bars, cultural venues, cinemas, fitness studios and sports halls must close for four weeks in an effort to rein in the skyrocketing growth in the number of daily infections that reached 16,000 yesterday. Stores, schools and day care centers will remain open.

Aside from these implementations, we, as visitors, should also take precautions and follow the rules. Here are some tips for staying safe when you are in a hotel during the COVID-19, according to Travel Daily News: 

1. Check first what's going on in your destination

Nowadays, you would not want to travel anywhere without checking what's going on to your destination regarding restrictions, quarantine policies, and community spread.

Before booking for a ticket, which you may not cancel at the last minute, check if your destination had a spike in COVID-19 cases and make sure that there will be no hindrance when you travel to that place.

Before you go, check the levels of community spread and consider your trip if the place where you will travel has a high rate of community spread, even if it's not under any quarantine rules or travel restrictions.  

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2. Always wear a mask and maintain social distancing

Maintain a minimum physical distance of six feet from anyone and wear a mask whenever it's possible. Wearing a mask is perhaps the most essential and compelling thing you can do to protect yourself and others from contracting the coronavirus.

When checking in and out of the hotel, wear a mask. Don't just do it while on your way to the lobby. However, avoid wearing a mask when you are in the pool or spa where it will be wet, less effective, and become harder to breathe.

3. Keep up with your hygiene practices

Use hand sanitizer for 20 seconds, or if possible, wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 40 seconds. After exchanging cards, money, keys, or any objects with the hotel staff, you must clean your hands.

It would help if you also do this hygiene practice before eating and drinking, entering or leaving common areas, or using the hotel bathroom.

4. Avoid common spaces

As much as possible, avoid going into the common spaces of the hotel. When taking your meals, you could use room service or delivery services. The hotel pool is okay but keep a distance from other patrons. If there is an option, choose to go to an outdoor pool.

5. Use the "Do Not Disturb" sign when needed

To minimize the number of people in your space, you may use the "Do Not Disturb" sign to avoid housekeeping when staying in a hotel. You may also ask for clean towels to be left outside your room.

You may find it complicated to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it doesn't need to be entirely off the table. Taking reasonable precautions when staying in a hotel, whether for fun, family emergency, or business, can be relatively safe. 

Read also: Travel During COVID-19 Pandemic: Can You Safely Travel Now?