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I worked as a DSW – Site Coordinator at 5 different hotels. Since I was flexible with my schedule I experienced working all 3 shifts during my 2.5 weeks. I even did 2 days of 12hrs. My job was to monitor guests at the hotels coming in and out if they weren’t quarantined. When the guests were quarantined then I would deliver their meals, snacks, drinks to their doors during scheduled meal times or upon their requests. I help set up welcome kits, coffee kits, and toiletries for the guests too.
Hotel One
I was nervous especially my first day, because I was in an unknown environment not knowing what I would be doing, but then to find out I was working alone made me nervous more. The Hotel I started off with had 2 floors and about 30 rooms. Guests staying here were tested negative for the virus. I was informed majority came from a Women Shelter. There would be a nurse that would come by 1-2x a day to take their temperatures. I had to make sure I read the list of who had allergies when delivering food, who wanted extra meals, who didn’t eat open prepared food and one who can’t bare to see an apple otherwise he would scream. When I delivered the meals I would just knock on the door and hand them the food. Unfortunately it wasn’t all smooth sailing because I did call 911 for one guest because they didn’t answer their door. When I contacted the Manager of the Hotel to open the door we found the guest on the floor unable to get up. Fire Department came and helped him up to his bed. He ended up being ok. Another incident was when I had a guest throw their food back into my box of food I was delivering because they weren’t happy with their food. The guest started yelling at me and saying I was incompetent and that I didn’t care. All I felt I could do was apologize and try to offer other options, but the guest slammed the door and said they would make sure I was fired. I worked at this hotel on swing shift (3pm-11pm) for two days.
Hotel Two
I worked 3 nights (11pm-7am) at another hotel with another person from a different dept in the city. This hotel had 60 rooms with guests that were waiting for their test results. I was again nervous because I didn’t want to get sick or bring it home. I was informed of certain stairways only employees are able to go up and down. Thankful that when I walked the premises there would be a security guard walking with me. Since it was graveyard it was pretty slow because everyone was in their rooms sleeping. I did take inventory of everything that we were using, have on hand, and of items that are needed. Every night my partner and I would make coffee kits (coffee pods, creamer, coffee cup, & utensil) for the morning shift to distribute with the breakfast. One night I had worked alone and the security guard was nice to keep me company and help make the kits with me.
Hotel Three
I worked graveyard (11pm-7am) one night and dayshift (7am-3pm) for the other 2 days. This hotel had nurses on site and a social worker too. On graveyard I worked with another coordinator and on dayshift there would be 3 of us working together. No coordinator walked alone, we always walked in pairs. This hotel had 4 floors with 120 rooms and guests that tested positive with the corona-virus. When we delivered the meals we would place the food containers in front of their doors, once they were placed we would start knocking on the doors for the guests to get them. We had zero contact with the guests. I noticed there would be couples roomed together and even a family of four with kids. At this hotel, clothes (sweats, t-shirt, socks, underwear, and sweatshirt) were even being offered to them besides the regular toiletries.
Hotel Four
I worked 2 days on dayshift (7am-3pm) at this hotel with 6 floors. This hotel was used just for a shelter. No guest was quarantined. Every floor had 2 coordinators, a security guard and a social worker (dealt directly with the guests). My job here was to monitor guests in and out of the hotel making sure they had their masks on, deliver breakfast, lunch, snacks, give access to their rooms when needed, and hand out toiletries.
Hotel Five
I worked 2 days on 12hrs shift (6pm-6am). Hotel had 3 floors with guests that tested positive. There was 2 coordinators (including myself), 2 nurses, a social worker, and 3 security guards on site. Delivered extra meals to guests that called in for it. At the end of shift any meals left over was disposed of. On the 2nd day there was a shooting within a few hours at the start of shift. We heard approximately 6 gunshots. Social worker called in the nurses and security guards into the room and we were in locked down for at least 20mins. We called 911 and was informed that they were aware of the shooting. I was scared but was informed that I can leave if I didn’t feel like staying. I ended up staying because my partner decided to stay as well. It was crazy where if you looked outside you would still see people walking, riding bikes, and driving as if nothing happened. I’m thankful we were all SAFE and heard nothing more of the shooting. Since we just dispose of all the left over food, I decided to call Safe Harbor by the airport to see if they would take the food. They said YES! Delivered to them 10 boxes of meals, a bunch of apples and oranges, and a few boxes of muffins. Nice way to end my shift.
I felt good to help during this time and to see how everyone pulls together. Dealing with this virus is new for everyone. We need to have an open heart and be flexible. Of course I was scared to be out there, but I tried my best to be safe and not endanger my family. This was my experience as a DSW.
EVERYONE STAY SAFE!