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The Okaloosa and Walton County Board of County Commissioners’ proposed plans of enhanced cleaning and safety practices have been accepted by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, allowing short term vacation rentals to open in both counties.

My Vacation Haven is committed to following the proposed guidelines set out by the BCC for both the safety of our guests and employees. Reservations cannot be accepted for dates within the next 45 days (as of 5/19) from the states deemed COVID-19 hotspots: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Louisiana per Executive Orders EO 20-82 and EO 20-86.

The Tourist Development Council is requesting that all guests:

  • Bring supplies that may not be available due to the limited supplies in our area, such as hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.

  • Bring facemasks for you and your family to use when interacting in public spaces.

  • Plan to purchase supplies such as groceries, toilet paper or other essential items before arriving in the destination, as local shortages are possible.

  • Please understand that many restaurants and businesses may not be operating and/or seating at full capacity, either due to government regulation or staffing shortages. With kindness, respect and patience, we can all enjoy a safe, beautiful summer by the beach.

What Are the My Vacation Haven Cleaning Procedures?

Property cleanliness and guest safety have always been a top priority for My Vacation Haven, and now, during this unprecedented time in our world,  it’s important for our guests to know now, more than ever, that we are taking every available measure to assure these factors are met at the highest standard. And even though our cleaning processes are unmatched in thoroughness and detail, our professional standards for cleaning have been enhanced even further to assure the utmost safety, security, health and comfort of each and every guest. 

Why is this so important to us? You are our guest. It’s as simple as that. And unless you’re able to fully relax while on vacation, knowing that the home is clean and that you and your family are safe, then it’s not a real vacation. Sure, the pandemic has presented some unprecedented challenges for travelers, but we want you to know that while staying in a My Vacation Haven home, you can have the peace of mind to fully relax and enjoy your stay. 

Our cleaning and sanitation habits have always exceeded the requirements required by the Vacation Rental Management Association, and we have upped our standards to meet the new guidelines presented by the CDC that are directly related to the prevention of the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19. We are also carefully following the recommended safety guidelines presented by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Here’s what you can expect from our team, from our family to yours:

  • We provide all housekeepers and inspectors with protective masks and gloves to wear when cleaning or inspecting our vacation homes. 

  • Every linen and towel, regardless of use, is removed, sanitized and professionally laundered between each guest stay in our own commercial grade laundry, utilizing commercial-grade laundry chemicals, gas dryers, and hotter water temperatures.

  • Special attention is paid to “high-touch” areas, including doorknobs, remote control devices, bathroom hardware and handles, door handles, toilet handles, keypads and lock.

  • Our cleaning teams use cleaning products that have been approved as effective for use against COVID-19 and other virus, bacteria, and pathogens, as deemed by CDC/EPA guidelines.

  • Check-in is at 4PM and early check-ins are not permitted, allowing the required amount of time for cleaning and chemical agents to kill all germs before your arrival.

  • We ensure a no-contact check-in process, allowing guests to sign any contracts electronically before ever arriving. Our check-in procedures have been streamlined to allow guests to check in right away; no front desk agent, nothing to sign upon arrival, no one to meet with or see at all during your entire stay unless you choose to do so. What a relief!

In addition to cleanliness and safety measures that our team takes prior to your arrival, there are some steps you can take on your own while on vacation to ensure further safety and care, including:

  • Wash your hands often. As often as you think about it or have the opportunity, it’s important to wash your hands with warm or hot water and soap (antibacterial soap is, of course, preferred), for at least 20 seconds. Many medical professionals have admitted to singing a 20-second song to ensure the time requirement is met (like “Happy Birthday”) and this can be a fun way to make sure kids are washing their hands for long enough as well. 

  • Use hand sanitizer. When hand washing isn’t available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Take care to cover palms of hands and in between fingers.

  • Practice social distancing. At least six feet between you and others is the recommended distance.

  • Avoid contact with your face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

  • Avoid contact with public services. When pumping gas or opening store doors, use a barrier (such as a tissue, paper towel, or glove) whenever possible.

  • Wear a cloth face cover in public. Wearing a face mask in public places such as grocery stores or gas stations can help prevent the spread of illness, keeping you safe but also keeping others safe from any illness you may have yourself.

  • Disinfect your rental during your stay. From check-in to check-out, make sure you are cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, including tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, faucets and sinks. It’s a good idea to bring these products with you. Check here for a  full list of CDC recommended cleaning supplies

Your safety is important to us, and we want you to be able to enjoy your vacation now more than ever. We know you need a time to truly relax and unwind, knowing you and your family are staying in a home that has been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. We’re all in this together, and just as we take care of our own families, we will take every available measure to take care of yours while you are staying with My Vacation Haven.