COVID-19: Information about Testing and Villa Cleaning Policies

PCR is one of the most common tests to detect COVID obtained with a swab into the nose. It’s the most accurate test because it can detect the virus’s DNA with a small number of copies of the virus inside the sample, however it takes longer to obtain the results. The processing time for results usually takes between 24 and 48 hours and it is more expensive than the Antigen test.

The Antigen test is advantageous as it is faster than PCR to obtain results and costs less, however it is also less accurate. This test detects antigens (proteins of the virus’s capsule are the most common antigens). When you take the sample, you just need to add antibodies that detect the antigens, and if there is a reaction, it means that the sample has the virus. The sample processing takes a maximum of 4 hours once the sample is in the laboratory so results can be obtained in the same day the sample is taken.

If you have had COVID-19 and a positive viral test in the past 3 months and now test negative and have met the criteria to end isolation, you can travel with a copy of your positive test result and a letter from your doctor or health department that states you have been cleared for travel.

Prior to your arrival date, Agave Villas will reach out to send information about the test choices, including costs, and to schedule your appointment at the villa you are staying at prior to your departure.

Our employees will wear facemasks at all time while they are in the home.  Facemasks will be worn by employees while at the villa to provide additional protection.  They will be required to wash their hands as soon as they arrive in the villa.  Additionally it is the law in Mexico to wear facemasks while in public, which our employees are expected to do.

Rooms will be ventilated while cleaning.  The CDC recommends opening outside doors and windows and using ventilating fans to increase air circulation which our employees will be required to do while cleaning bedrooms and bathrooms.

Sanitizing hands thoroughly and frequently throughout their service.   Employees will be required to wash their hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Employees will be instructed to clean and then disinfect.  Detergent or soap and water will be used first to remove dirt, grease, dust, and germs. Once the surface is clean, areas will be sprayed with a disinfectant.  Where possible, paper towels or disposable wipes will be used, and new cleaning cloths will be used for each new arrival.

Using the right disinfectant.  Our villas will use high quality household disinfectants and/or a cleaning solution with diluted household bleach or at least 70% alcohol, which are recommended to be effective against COVID-19.

Focus on frequently touched surfaces.   Special attention will be paid to frequently touched surfaces, like light switches, doorknobs, railings, remote controls, safe boxes, faucet handles, hair dryers etc.

All linens will be laundered at the highest heat setting.  That includes bed sheets, mattress covers, hand and bath towels, kitchen towels, and blankets. Gloves will be worn when handling dirty linens and changed afterwards before proceeding to cleaning other areas of the villa.

Employees must follow a cleaning “check list” at all times.  Employees will be provided with a cleaning protocol checklist so that the same standards are met every time they clean, and nothing is overlooked.

All cleaning gear will be safely removed.  When cleaning is complete, all employees will immediately remove any protective outerwear like gloves or masks and dispose of them accordingly.  They will be required to thoroughly wash their hands for at least 20 seconds afterwards.

Additional cleaning amenities for guest use.  Guests will have full access to cleaning products, such as disinfectant wipes, cleaners, etc. should they feel more comfortable personally performing additional cleaning of their spaces.  Additionally, all villas will be fully stocked with extra towels, hand sanitizer, hand soaps, paper towels and masks.

All groceries will be sanitized.  All groceries and any other products coming into the villa will be sanitized upon entry, including MicroDyne on fresh fruits and vegetables, disinfecting packaging, etc.

Guests will have option for minimal staff interaction.  Although all of our villas come fully staffed, we understand that guests may prefer to have limited interaction with employees.  If requested, cooks make pre-prepared meals that guests can reheat at their convenience, and have limited hours.  Cleaning staff can be scheduled to clean while guests are not in the villa or outside at the pool area.

**Please note that these are general guidelines and may vary villa by villa.  For specific villa protocols, please contact Agave Villas directly. While we are taking your safety and that of our staff very seriously by employing new cleaning and sanitation protocols, we cannot guarantee that these measures will completely protect against contracting COVID19.**