La Trinité-sur-Mer reassures its holidaymakers with the Safe&Clean label

Why did the Municipality of La Trinité-sur-Mer want to undergo this certification process?

Protecting our staff, ensuring the health and safety of residents and holidaymakers and relaunching the local economy were our priorities. When we took office in June, we only had a very short time before the arrival of tourists and recreational yachtsmen. We therefore took up the challenge of Safe&Clean certification, imposing strict health measures in establishments open to the public and in public places to deal with Covid-19.
For us, this certification is a way of promoting our city in this time of crisis: “Come to La Trinité, the municipality has taken all measures to welcome you safely”.

Concretely, what were the different certification steps and what measures resulted from it?

Initially, we created a multi-actor steering committee as close as possible to the reality on the ground to support the entire approach throughout the process.
It then identified all the locations in which sanitary provisions and social distancing had to be put in place: municipal reception areas (postal agency, police office, public reception desks, etc.), free shuttles, the market, public toilets, beaches, schools, canteens, construction sites, etc. For each location and for each category of persons (staff, residents and holidaymakers), we defined the actions to be implemented to meet the requirements of the reference framework: wearing of a mask compulsory for staff and visitors, modified circulation flows, compliance with preventive measures, alcohol-based hydrogel available, etc. The requirements met go above and beyond the provisions laid down by the Prefecture.
Then, active internal communication to involve and mobilise the municipal staff was deployed, with the 50 municipal staff being the primary players in the process. Some also undertook training delivered by Apave to be a Covid-19 reference contact.
Externally, specific communications were directed at residents and holidaymakers so that the arrangements could be put in place quickly and efficiently.

Once the Safe&Clean label had been obtained, the municipal team proposed that all the local traders should join the certification process. Its cost is borne by the municipality. 11 businesses: hotels, restaurants, shops, etc. are already certified according to the same reference framework.

How did Apave provide you with support?

At the start of the project, we quickly arrived at a twofold conclusion: with the opening of the summer season, within the allotted time, we had neither the resources nor the skills to complete this project alone. We launched a consultation with certification bodies offering labels. We were looking for a partner who could support us from A to Z before and during the certification process.
We chose Apave because the method proposed was the most comprehensive. The Apave teams who supported us showed real professionalism, were convincing and facilitated its implementation.

What are the next steps for you?

We continue to be vigilant regarding compliance with the provisions put in place and we are also adapting the rules according to the potential risks. For example, we have just published a municipal order imposing the wearing of masks on the wharves to prevent any risk of infection given the density of people strolling along them.
Furthermore, the prefecture has asked us to take all the measures needed for schools for the start of the academic year. Thanks to the label, they are already being applied in our town.
After a summer season different from normal, we are ready for the start of the academic year to welcome teachers and pupils safely!