Proactive Measures

All guests and employees with known exposure or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 should stay home. This is a significant first step to ensuring the health and safety of all those on RHR property. We will be flexible with our cancellation policy to ensure guests are easily able to reschedule their stay.

Prior to opening on June 19th, our employees and managers were given updated training in accordance with New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and CDC guidelines. We will also work with the Ulster County Health Department (UCHD) to ensure we are ready to provide appropriate support to our guests and employees. In addition, we are currently working with our official health partner, Montefiore Health Systems, to provide guidance via telemedicine, as well as appropriate staff training. Please note that exposure to COVID-19 remains a risk while visiting RHR, and by visiting you assume that risk.

Portable UV-C Light Disinfectant Wands

An additional tool that will be deployed is portable UV-C light wands for high touch areas such as credit card processors, keyboards and other electronics. This technology is used in hospitals to deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens and thus destroys their ability to multiply and cause disease. Employees will be trained in the proper and safe handling of UV-C wands to ensure proper disinfection without exposing guests or employees to harmful UV rays.

Physical Distancing

Guests will be advised to practice physical distancing by standing at least six feet away from other groups of people not traveling with them while standing in line, using elevators or moving around the property. Dining room tables, deck chairs, and other physical layouts will be arranged to ensure appropriate distancing. Employees will be reminded not to touch their faces and to practice physical distancing by standing at least six feet away from guests and other employees whenever possible. Rocking Horse Ranch will comply with local or state mandated occupancy limits in all facilities and public areas.

Cleaning Products and Protocols

We currently use cleaning products and protocols which meet EPA guidelines and are CDC approved for use and are effective against viruses, bacteria and other airborne and bloodborne pathogens. We are working with our vendors, distribution partners and suppliers to ensure uninterrupted availability of these cleaning supplies and the necessary PPE’s.

Hand Sanitizer Stations

Hand sanitizer dispensing stations are placed at key guest and employee entrances and contact areas such as the front desk/lobby area, dining room entrance, arcade, bar, elevator landings, swimming pools, slides, restrooms and fitness area. Sanitizer will be provided in guest rooms and throughout the back of house for employees.

State Of The Art HVAC System

Public areas throughout the resort are fitted with the NEW Reme Halo® air purification system.  This advanced environmental air treatment system is proven to kill 99% of viruses and germs while providing fresh, clean and odor-free air.

Guest Signage

There will be health and hygiene reminders throughout the property including the proper way to wear, handle and dispose of masks. Electronic signage/television screens will also be used for messaging and communication.

Employee Signage

Signage will be posted throughout the property reminding employees of the proper way to wear, handle and dispose of masks, use gloves, wash hands, sneeze, and to avoid touching their faces.

Employee’s Responsibilities

Rocking Horse Ranch employees are vital for an effective sanitation and health program, and we are proactively educating our employees on what is known about the virus, including its transmission and prevention. While we are well known for our meticulously clean resort and attentive employees, correct hygiene and frequent handwashing with soap will be vital to help combat the spread of germs and viruses. All employees have been instructed to wash their hands, or use sanitizer when a sink is not available, every 60 minutes (for 20 seconds) and after any of the following activities: using the restroom, sneezing, coughing, touching the face, blowing the nose, cleaning, sweeping, mopping, smoking, eating, drinking, going on break, before or after starting a shift and after using the time clock.

Dining Areas Cleaning and Sanitizing Protocol

✓ Host podium, all related equipment and surfaces to be sanitized every 30 minutes.

✓ Service stations, service carts, beverage stations, counters, handrails and trays to be sanitized at least once per hour and logged by a manager.

✓ Dining tables, bar tops, stools and chairs to be sanitized after each use.

✓ All tabletop condiments and sauces will be sanitized after each family’s use.

✓ Menus to be single use and/or disposable.

✓ Storage containers to be sanitized before and after each use.

✓ Food preparation stations to be sanitized at least once per hour.

✓ Kitchen to be deep cleaned and sanitized at least once per day.

✓ Food and beverage items being prepared to be transferred to other employees using contactless methods (by use of serving trays).

✓ Executive Chef Paul Kelly and his team are ServeSafe certified and will maintain all certifications necessary.

Guest Considerations

✓ All self-serve condiments and utensils to be removed and available at individual tables.

✓ All food and beverage items to be placed on the table, counter, or other surface instead of being handed directly to a guest.

Additional Employee Dining Room Protocols

✓ Food to be served by our culinary trained staff.

✓ Plates and utensils to be distributed by attendants.

✓ Additional sneeze guards provided and installed where necessary.

All outdoor activities including horseback riding, miniature golf, lake activities, rock wall, Super Bungee Jumpers and mountain tubing will have enhanced operating procedures to address current safety guidelines. The Spa will remain temporarily closed, subject to further guidance from the CDC. Procedures listed below will apply to all aforementioned activities:

✓ ‘Clean Team’ department compliance and auditing.

✓ Disinfect all equipment and high touch surfaces.

✓ Recreation staff will wear appropriate PPE.

✓ Social distancing enforced between guests using clear markings and reduced attraction capacity.

✓ All life vests and safety harnesses will be disinfected after each use.

✓ Social distancing between guests where needed.

✓ All seating will be configured for social distancing.

Guest Considerations

✓ Only 1 person or family will be allowed to use the fitness center at a time.

✓ Guests must sign up for a 45-minute time slot in advance. See front desk for details.

✓ Time slots will be available once per hour, on the hour (9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am etc.)

✓ Signage will be placed inside the fitness center reminding guests to wear masks and to sanitize equipment after use.

Cleaning and Sanitizing Protocol 

✓ Housekeeping will sanitize fitness center after each guest use.

✓ Sanitizing wipes will be available for guests to wipe down machines after use.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Appropriate PPE will be worn by all employees based on their role and responsibilities and in adherence to state or local regulations and guidance.

Safe Guest Arrival

A Guest Services member will greet guests arriving at the Ranch. Appropriate signage will also be prominently displayed outlining proper mask usage and current physical distancing practices in use throughout the property. Front desk agents will utilize every other workstation to ensure separation between employees and guests whenever possible.

Guest Arrival via Car/Taxi/Rideshare
✓ Guests will enter the resort through doors that are either open or opened by an employee (weather dependent).
✓ Employees will not open the doors of cars or taxis.
✓ Guests requesting luggage service will be assisted and the luggage cart will be sanitized after each guest is assisted.
✓ Courtesy Parking may not be available.
✓ Free self parking is available.

Guest Arrival via RHR Shuttle
✓ Shuttle drivers will be required to wear a mask or face covering while still recommended by the NYSDOH or CDC.
✓ Shuttles will be thoroughly cleaned before and after each use with our EMist EPIX360 handheld disinfectant sprayer with a safe EPA-approved disinfectant.
✓ No more than four guests will be permitted per SUV unless part of the same family or group are traveling together.

Cleaning Protocol

Industry leading cleaning and disinfecting technology and protocols are used to clean guest rooms, with particular attention paid to high-touch items including television remote controls, toilet seats and handles, door and furniture handles, water faucet handles, nightstands, telephones, light switches, temperature control panels, alarm clocks, luggage racks and flooring. All rooms will be completely disinfected on all surfaces upon each new occupancy.

Laundry

All bed linen and laundry is currently contracted by an off premise, third-party vendor. Linens and laundry are washed in commercial-grade machines with hot water and a fragrance-free disinfectant detergent. Drying laundry is heated to the highest temperature and tumbled dry for at least 45 minutes. All coverlets and throw pillows will be disinfected between each room occupancy.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

ANDREW CHAFATELLI

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER