COVID-19 FAQ

In these challenging and uncertain times, everyone on the Sand Dollar Real Estate team appreciates your patience, understanding and trust.

Effective May 1:

• Shifts Maine’s COVID-19 travel policy requirements from an “all states included, unless exempt” model to an “all states exempt, unless included” model. This means that travelers from all states are automatically exempt unless otherwise determined by the Maine CDC.
• Under this new model, the Maine CDC will be charged with identifying states that have a high prevalence of highly contagious COVID-19 variants. If one or more states see a spike in variant cases, Maine will apply its test or quarantine requirement to travelers to and from that state. This more targeted approach will remain in effect through the summer.
Effective March 5
• Adds Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island to the list of states exempt from the test or quarantine requirement. New Hampshire and Vermont had previously been exempt. These states have reduced their positivity and active case rates.
• Exempts those who have either recently had COVID-19 or been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, regardless of their state of origin, from the test or quarantine requirement. Federal requirements related to international travel, however, remain in effect.

To learn more about the Keeping Maine Healthy initiative, use the following link https://www.maine.gov/covid19/moving-maine-forward.

Moving Maine Forward Plan

We can’t impact or change the Governor’s orders imposed on out of state visitors, we can only advise and share the information available to us.  We are doing our best to keep apprised of and educate on the changing orders, but strongly encourage you to do your own research and fact checking.

ALL Maine Businesses are Required to Comply with “Checklists” in order to reopen.

At this time during the months of July and August, non-resident visitors will still be subject to the state’s 14-day quarantine period or its testing alternative. Masks must be worn in all public spaces and in situations where safe social distancing is not possible. Group gatherings, loitering, and activities that prevent social distancing guidelines are not permitted. Additional guidance on how quarantine policy relates to lodging is forthcoming and we will post once it becomes available.

Helpful Self-Quarantine Services

Protecting our guests, owners, and staff is our number one priority. We are following recommendations/guidelines from Maine CDC and DECD when making decisions on how to reopen and serve our guests and homeowners safely and effectively.

FAQ’s

Are the beaches open?

Effective Monday, June 15, most of Maine’s beaches will be open for both active and passive use. Maine’s CDC social distancing protocols remain in place, including beach users remaining 6’ apart.

Read about Goose Rocks Beach Regulations

If I cancel, will I be refunded my deposit?

The standard cancellation policy will be in effect for 2021. The policy as written in our agreement is as follows:

I understand that if I choose to rent a property sight unseen and I am unhappy with the accommodations, Owner/Landlord will make every effort to make my stay comfortable and enjoyable, but I am not entitled to a full or partial refund. If available and I choose to be placed in a different cottage, for any reason I agree to forfeit my original payment in full and pay the full rate plus tax and any other associated fees for the new unit.

 If I must cancel for any reason, including but not limited to acts of God, acts of governmental agencies, bans, terrorism, fire, strikes, war, criminal acts, inclement weather, mandatory evacuation of area, power outages, pandemics/epidemics, endemics, outbreaks, and construction noise from nearby sites, I understand that Sand Dollar Real Estate, LLC and the Owner/Landlord will make every effort to find a guest to replace me. If this occurs, I will receive the rental fee back less 20% of the full rental rate as a service charge, no exceptions. If the cottage is not rented for that time period to another guest, the Owner/Landlord is entitled to keep my rental fee in its entirety.

If you choose to visit Goose Rocks this summer you will be required to sign an addendum to the original agreement acknowledging that you are aware of the potential risks and restrictions associated with COVID-19, you understand the 14 day quarantine guidelines, agree that you or anyone in your party will not hold Sand Dollar Real Estate, staff, independent contractors or the home owners liable for any COVID-19 related illness contracted or any State/Local mandated limitation imposed on them before or during their stay with us.

What precautions are you taking to ensure my vacation rental is safe?

Safety is a priority for both our team and guests. Here are a few of the measures we have put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: Please keep in mind each home is individually owned and protocol may vary.

Cleaning/Sanitation: While we have always required that our cleaning professionals maintain high standards to ensure all properties are thoroughly cleaned between each guest, we have enhanced our cleaning protocols to ensure all surfaces are thoroughly sanitized and disinfected. Special attention is paid to high traffic and high touch areas. A bleach dilution and/or CDC Approved cleaning supplies, is being used on all hard surfaces, including door handles, light switches, etc. Due to the amount of additional protocols and safety there will likely be a longer change-over time between each guest. This could also impact your reservation and/or the length of your stay.

Sanitization: The owners of your rental property will be providing a CDC approved spray sanitizer and cleaning products which will be used to sanitize all high use soft surfaces e.g. sofas, chairs, mattresses, curtains …)

Linens: We are removing all unnecessary bedding, including decorative pillows, shams, comforters, etc. Coverlets, bath mats and kitchen towels will be rented from a professional linen service and switched out between each guest.

Supplies: To avoid transfer of products from one home to another, the owners of our properties will supply, CDC Approved cleaning products, and a good quality vacuum cleaner for the season for your use and the use of the cleaning companies.

Contactless Check-Ins and Outs: We have installed a clear plastic barrier between the check-in area and back of house to help protect guests and staff . We are disinfecting keys between guests and trying to limit paperwork and contact as much as possible.

Staff Safety: Should you find yourself needing the assistance of one of our team members while in your vacation rental, our staff will be equipped with gloves and masks so that any contact can be done so in a safe manner. We may ask that any issues/tasks deemed not to be an emergency be put off until after your stay so that we can limit the interaction on the property.  We do ask that you contact us to inform us of what needs to be repaired so we can take care of this after your departure.

Training & Self Education: we are training staff and encouraging guests to educate themselves on safety guidelines, recommended cleaning protocols and proper use and disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE’s).