14/08/2021
Coronavirus Lockdown Update:
Dear Clients,
Since the news about the latest lockdown in regional NSW has hit the press, we've all had questions about how the new rules affect our daily activities.
You will be given updated information as it becomes available to us, but as of this moment, the latest published information from the NSW government will allow domestic cleaning businesses to operate, with the following conditions:
- A maximum of 2 cleaners are able to work in any residence (or commercial space) at a time.
- Cleaners are to wear masks at all times within the building.
- Cleaners are to sanitise all equipment and supplies before and after each booking, aside from items such as cloths, mops and sponges, which are thoroughly washed and sterilised after each booking, and never reused in other households, as per our standard policies and practices.
- Hands are to be washed and/or sanitised before and after each booking, and at any time during the cleaning process that could cause contamination.
- Clients/residents are required to remain in a separate room of the house, if it is not possible or practical to be outside of the house while cleaners are working.
- Clients who have visited hotspots or come in contact with anyone who has come from a location of concern in the past 14 days must disclose this information as soon as possible. Our staff are subject to the same conditions, and will be forced to isolate.
- Cleaners AND residents with cold or flu-like symptoms are required to cancel their booking as soon as possible, and isolate until symptoms subside, or return a negative covid test result before returning to the regular cleaning schedule.
I cannot stress this enough. As per our standard health and safety policy, if you, yourself are unwell, or you have sick children at home, please let us know as soon as possible so we can reschedule your cleaning. Sanitising surfaces does not stop the spread of airborne illnesses, especially during the winter, when many of us want to have the heat on, which only helps to circulate airborne pathogens longer. We have had a very challenging season so far due to staff absences caused by illnesses like cold and flu. We always do our absolute best to ensure we don't bring any unwanted germs into the homes of our clients; many of whom are elderly, immunocompromised, or have children attending school or daycare. Please keep all of our staff, our families and our clients safe and healthy, and notify us if anyone in your household is unwell. You will not be charged a cancellation fee if you notify us 24 hours before your scheduled booking. However, if we arrive on the premises and there are residents with cold or flu symptoms at home, we will be unable to carry out our work, and you WILL be charged for the full price of your regular booking.
We understand that many of our clients will need to work from home, and some have children who will not be able to attend school or daycare. Our hearts go out to anyone adversely affected by the sudden lockdown, and we will do our best to make arrangements that minimise those inconveniences.
It is also an unfortunate consequence that some of our clients may experience loss of income, and due to the confusing nature of these restrictions, it can take some time to work out what comes next for individuals and households, so we have temporarily altered some of our policies regarding cancellations.
- Clients will not be charged a cancellation fee for the week of 16/08 to 20/08, unless they are in breach of our health and safety policy above.
- If you wish to suspend your cleaning services, but hold your place in our schedule until lockdown ends, you will only be charged 50% of your regular fees until your cleaning services resume. If you are experiencing financial hardships, please contact me directly, and we may be able to come to an alternative arrangement.
We will do our best to continue to provide your regular cleaning services, as safely as possible, within the current guidelines, for as long as possible.
We apologise for the inconveniences, and invite you to get in touch regarding our schedule for the coming week, if you have any questions or comments.
We also apologise for any necessary changes that may be made to our regular schedule, as several of our staff will have limited capacity to clean while caring for primary school aged children.
However, on a much brighter note, I would also like to take this opportunity to officially welcome Gemma and Joel to our team! Gemma and Joel have proven themselves to be very capable, reliable and attentive cleaners, as well as absolutely lovely individuals. I am very confident that all of our clients will find their cleaning skills, environmental conciousness and glowing personalities an asset to our team, and a welcome sight when cleaning day rolls around.
Thank you to all of our wonderful clients, and all the best to everyone during this difficult time. Each and every one of you means a great deal to us, personally, and we hope that we can all get through this together.
I will keep everyone up to date with the latest information, but for now, stay safe, reach out, and enjoy the moments of rest and time with your family where you can.
Much love,
Kate
Down to Earth Eco Cleaning
[email protected]
0493078458 or 0422485741
