Government Announces New Hotel Controls

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli on Sunday chaired a meeting to approve hotel accommodation regulations for domestic tourism in accordance with World Health Organization guidelines amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Khaled El Anany, Minister of Health and Population Hala Zayed and Minister of Civil Aviation Mohamed Manar Enabah.

Anani said that several basic requirements would be adopted for granting health certificates, including the necessity for each hotel to provide a clinic and a doctor inside its building, as well as ensuring quality of personal protective tools and sterilization materials, and dealing only with companies approved by the Health Ministry of Health.

"Joint teams of the bodies concerned will be formed to ensure that all requirements are met," he added.

[caption id="attachment_124873" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Madbouli Talks during Today's Meeting on New Hotel Controls[/caption]

Parties, weddings and night activities will be banned, while quarantine places will be allocated in all hotels for confirmed and suspected cases, the minister said.

Rapid tests will be continuously conducted for hotels’ staff at gates of tourist cities in coordination with the Health Ministry, he noted.

"Sterilization booths will be installed at hotels' entrances, logon procedures will be completed electronically or by single-use pens, guests' temperature will be screened around the clock, while their luggage will be sterilized upon arrival and departure," Anani said.

"All areas and various facilities will be routinely cleaned and sterilized, and hand sanitizers will be provided."

The hotels will not be allowed to exceed a maximum operating rate of 50% of their employment, while staff will not be allowed to leave coastal cities before 60 days.

Buffet and shisha services will be suspended, while two-meter distance will be taken into consideration between dining tables and one meter between guests.

Hotels will be operated at a maximum rate of 25% of total capacity, including the day-use system, before being expanded to a maximum of 50% on June 1.