COVID-19 Archives - Delsuites' Blog

Business Travel, Toronto Condos, Toronto Family Travel, Vacation Travel

7 COVID-19 Measures You Should Know About Before Visiting Canada

April 29, 2021

Travel over the past year has been a whirlwind. Changing restrictions and new safety measures have made international travel a difficult maze of new rules depending on the airport or country you arrive in. Luckily, for travelers coming into Canada, there is some clarity.

COVID-19 definitely disrupted many plans in 2020, but after a year of dealing with this novel virus, Canadian governments and travel institutions can now offer better guidelines for international travel.

Here are seven measures you should know when visiting Canada as we deal with the COVID-19 global pandemic.

1. Masks and Face Coverings

This is the big one.

To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, travelers entering Canada through major ports, including airports, transit stations, etc., must wear masks/face coverings at all times.

At Pearson Airport in Toronto, this includes the pre-and post-security screening areas of the terminals, parking facilities, people mover train, sidewalks/curbs outside the terminals, and other outdoor public areas.

There are several special exceptions to this rule in effect. If you have a medical condition that prevents you from wearing a mask, you are exempt from the rule provided you have a note from a medical doctor that certifies that you are unable to wear a mask for medical reasons.

2. COVID-19 Testing Before and Upon Arrival

As of February 21, 2021, air travelers will be required to take a COVID-19 molecular test upon landing in Canada. This testing can occur at the airport or later during their mandatory quarantine period in either a designated quarantine facility or at a suitable place of quarantine.

Before leaving the airport, travelers will also receive a COVID-19 test kit or instructions for taking their test later during their mandatory 14-day quarantine period.

3. Mandatory Quarantine Period

When first coming to Canada, there is a mandatory 14-day self-isolation period for international travelers and social distancing precautions for everyone.

For those coming from specific international hot spots, travelers are to go to a pre-booked hotel while they await the results of their arrival test.

If the test is negative, travelers will continue their quarantine in their home, short-term rental, or designated residence and complete their test kit as instructed.

However, if positive, travelers will be relocated to a designated quarantine facility or other suitable places of quarantine until medically released.

4. Social Distancing Measures

Apart from wearing masks and constant hand-washing, maintaining social distancing when possible is how we can help combat this pandemic.

Many stores, public venues, and restaurants will have limited sitting or restrictions to how many patrons they can accommodate at a time. Keep this in mind when making plans for outings as there might be longer than usual waiting times or queues for shopping.

At DelSuites, your short-term rental allows you to maintain social distancing and have a home away from home. Guests can enjoy premium amenities like a personal kitchen and high-speed internet, so their stay is comfortable and stress-free.

5. Pre-Booked Hotel Upon Arrival

Before departure to Canada, air travelers will need to reserve a 3-night stay in a government-authorized hotel. These new measures are in addition to existing mandatory pre-boarding and health requirements for air travelers with limited exemptions.

Also, the Government of Canada has announced new travel restrictions, including a suspension of flights to Mexico and the Caribbean from January 31, 2021, to April 30, 2021. New testing and quarantine requirements are also evolving with developments in the pandemic on public health.

6. Restrictions for Meeters and Greeters at the Airport

Are you heading back home? Make sure to say your goodbyes before reaching the airport.

To maintain social distancing and limit high-volume traffic, many major airports have limited terminal access to passengers traveling on the same day and airport employees on duty. Meeters and greeters or those dropping friends and loved ones off at the airport won’t be able to enter the terminals.

7. Stay-At-Home Orders

In some COVID-19 hotspots, government bodies have implemented more strict social distancing measures to curb the spread of the virus and its newly emerging variants.

Depending on the city you are traveling to, make sure to be prepared and informed of possible stay-at-home orders. This preparation can dramatically alter your trip and how you can spend your time in the country.

8. Providing a Safe, Secure, and Cozy Home Away From Home

Traveling to any country can be stressful, especially during COVID-19. With so many restrictions, it can be hard to fully enjoy your trip. However, having a temporary home with DelSuites’ short-term rentals can make all the difference.

When it comes to travel security and safety, you can be confident you are in good hands. Protecting our guests and associates is our number one priority. Along with abiding by government public health guidelines, we ensure that we are keeping on top of standards of cleanliness and hygiene to keep everyone safe, no matter where you are traveling from.

Right from check-in, you can enjoy fully furnished living spaces and round-the-clock reliable and high-quality customer service. Despite this new normal, our strong in-house maintenance team and trusted security make it their mission to take care of you and your well-being so you can focus on getting the most out of your stay in Toronto and surrounding GTA.

Visiting Canada? Find Your Next Short-Term Rental With DelSuites

Don’t let COVID-19 get you down. Even with some limited activities, Toronto always finds a way to entertain whenever you are here. And whatever you choose, you can be confident you have a comfortable and safe place to call home at the end of the day with DelSuites. Visit our website to find your perfect short-term rental in Toronto today.

Business Travel, Vacation Travel

Moving During COVID Times: What You Need to Know

March 22, 2021

The world has changed in numerous ways over the last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people have put much of their lives on hold, working from home or being unable to work at all.

That said, there still are many reasons why you might need to move at this time, despite (or even because of) the pandemic. Since this time is so unprecedented, many questions come up when planning a move.

DelSuites is here to answer them all and help make this process as smooth as possible for you.

Moving Right Now

The first question is probably, “Can I even move at this time?” The simple answer is yes. There are apartment buildings that are limiting or not allowing the move-in/move-out process currently so the best option is to contact everyone directly to verify. Also, something might come up that would require you to delay or cancel a move.

Most businesses have new guidelines with more flexibility than usual for these situations. All DelSuites buildings are allowing people to move-in or move-out, with rules and restrictions in place to keep everybody as safe as possible.

Touring a New Place

While touring your potential new home is still available, it is discouraged so you can adhere to social distancing protocols. Luckily, DelSuites includes as many photos as possible on our website and has virtual tours and video links offered as an alternate solution to tours. Also, tours by video call are available as another safe option to view a place while keeping everybody healthy.

Purchasing Moving Supplies

Both packing supply stores and big box stores are considered essential and are still opened at this time. You should be able to purchase anything you need at one of these. If you want to keep even safer and order online, please keep in mind that there have been shipping delays during this time. Make sure to give yourself enough time for any packages to arrive.

Staying Safe While Traveling

At a personal level, you can stay safe while traveling by keeping socially distanced from others as much as possible, always wearing your mask, and washing your hands thoroughly as often as possible. If you are traveling by air or rail, follow all rules and recommendations provided by the company providing the service. And before anything, be sure to check the Public Health Agency of Canada’s latest updates about everything COVID-19.

Traveling Between Provinces

Canada currently does not have any federal restrictions on traveling between provinces. There may be provincial or territorial rules and restrictions in place for where you are moving to so it is best to check government websites for the most current rules. If you’re moving to Ontario from another province, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health strongly advises that you self-isolate for 14 days after arriving.

Staying Clean While Moving In

As long as you follow all guidelines recommended by the Public Health Agency of Canada and verify that the businesses you’re dealing with are doing the same, everybody should be kept clean and safe during this process. If you’re moving into a DelSuites location, we offer numerous pre-arrival and quarantine assistance:

Extra bed linens and towels
Easy Self-Service Grocery
Safe Delivery and Garbage Disposal procedures
COVID-19 Information Resources

Staying Safe Once Moved In

After arriving, it is necessary to continue to follow protocols to stay safe. As an active member of its communities, DelSuites does adhere to the safety protocols of each building. Listed below are some expected safety protocols:

Sanitizer stations are prominently placed throughout all buildings.
Mask wearing in common areas and maintaining a distance of 2m is required in all buildings.
Elevator spacing guidelines and a maximum of 2 people per household in all elevators.
Maximum capacity has been revised and new restrictions for safe use in fitness centers, swimming pools, and other amenities.
Closures of some common areas or recreational amenities are possible as decided by the Property Management/Condominium Board.

For more information, please read DelSuites Enhance Hygiene Practices and Protocols.

About DelSuites Short-Term Rentals

DelSuites provides quality furnished suites in superb residential communities within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). DelSuites has developed a reputation for quality accommodations in prime locations and personalized service.

If you’d like to learn more about short-term rentals anywhere in the Greater Toronto Area and the options that DelSuites can offer, please contact us today or reach out directly by calling 1-877-228-7677. We are more than happy to help!

Business Travel, Downtown Toronto, Vacation Travel

COVID-19 Safety Tips for Your Downtown Toronto Rental

October 30, 2020

As many would agree, dealing with COVID-19 has made us all adopt a new normal. With changes to how we commute, work, and communicate, it can be stressful trying to navigate these unfamiliar rules.

However, when staying in a major city like Toronto, with the help of health experts and government guidelines, settling into your temporary home in Toronto and adapting to these changes doesn’t have to be so scary.

Here are some tips on how you can maintain safety during your stay at one of our downtown Toronto rentals.

The Basics of Public Safety Guidelines in Toronto

Under official public health guidelines, businesses and individuals alike are doing their part in reducing the spread of COVID-19. This has meant increased precautions like contact tracing at many restaurants offering customer seating and limitations to indoor gatherings.

Likewise, for international travellers just landing in the city, you must undergo a 14 day self-isolation period according to Toronto Public Health. And while you’re here, adopting healthy habits can be the best defence in keeping you safe. This includes:

Wearing a face mask
Washing your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
Maintaining social distancing or two-meter distance from others
Staying home if you are sick

Take Advantage of Travel and Booking Flexibility

As we’ve seen throughout this year, how we travel is constantly changing, especially dealing with COVID-19. Understanding this, there are options to help you book your stay in Toronto.

Our company has always been a supporter of green initiatives. All agreements are signed digitally, limiting the number of face-to-face interactions required to finalize your rental. You can view all photos and virtual tours for a specific suite online.

We’re committed to giving you the utmost flexibility, meaning we allow for advanced reservation or short notice cancellations in light of these circumstances.

Commuting Around the City Safely

You have several options available to you when travelling in Toronto. These include public transit with the TTC, taxis, and ride-sharing programs through Uber and Lyft.

If you do have to take transit, the TTC is a great resource. Along with increased transit service and cleaning protocols, to reduce the spread of COVID-19, masks and face covers are mandatory on the TTC as of September 2020. As well, maintaining social distancing and constant hand washing when travelling helps to keep you safe.

Plan Ahead

Using google maps or Rocketman for the TTC to track when your next bus arrives will allow you to plan your trip ahead of time. This way you do not have to worry about asking for directions or getting lost around the city. And with our 15 locations all around the city and the GTA, transit accessibility and safely reaching your destination is not a problem.

Work Remotely From Home

In the effort of reducing the spread of COVID-19, more people are working right from home. With everyone trying to adapt to this new work environment, video conferencing tools like Zoom have become essential to how we communicate and conduct our business. Luckily, you never have to worry about buffering or missing a call with our high-speed internet and wi-fi available throughout your stay at our downtown Toronto rentals.

All of our downtown Toronto rentals also include local and North American long-distance calling. Additionally, certain units come with work desks and chairs.

Make the Most of Your Downtown Toronto Rental

Settle in and Spread Out

Private common areas and fully furnished living spaces mean you don’t have to worry about unnecessary interactions with other people and can enjoy your temporary home in peace.

Live More Independently

Downtown Toronto rentals offer more independence and individualistic living so you can limit your contact with the outside world. This means amenities like washers and dryers are available for you to do your own laundry and cleaning at your convenience.

Utilize High-Quality House Cleaning

At DelSuites, we offer bi-weekly housekeeping (certain conditions apply) to enhance cleaning and sanitization at the highest level. Also in your serviced downtown Toronto rental, fresh linens and cleaning supplies are always stocked and at your disposal.

Prepare Meals in Your Own Kitchen

With fully operational kitchens, you can take care of the majority of your meals right inside of your downtown Toronto rental. Buying groceries and cooking from home reduces contact with restaurants and the hassle of take-away while saving you money.

DelSuites: Working Together to Keep You Safe

The health and safety of our guests and associates is our number one priority. This means we are always keeping on top of and maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene to keep you safe.

During these unprecedented times maintaining healthy habits and making sure you are safe can be stressful. But you are not alone. Feel confident that with DelSuites and our world-class staff, your downtown Toronto rental is a secure and safe place that you can call home.

We provide what you need to work effectively and live comfortably during your stay in your downtown Toronto rental. Visit our website and book with us today.

COVID-19