COVID-19 Lockdown: Maharashtra hotels may reopen on July 8 with a 33% guest limit

CM Uddhav Thackeray led state government is all set to ease the restriction on hotels. They may allow the hotels in the state to function from July 8 with a limited capacity. The reopening of hotels and restaurants will be in place after finalizing a stringent standard operating procedure (SOP) to be followed by the industry. The number of guests will be capped at 33 percent of total capacity.

In Maharashtra, there are over 1,50,000 hotels and 65,000 restaurants with a total workforce of more than a million, which makes the hospitality industry a substantial contributor to the economy. They have been grappling with massive losses financially due to the lockdown, this move will give them a sigh of relief.

Here are the guidelines to be followed on the opening of hotels in the state:

* Entry to the hotel will be allowed only after a proper thermal screening of the residents.

* Reception tables will have protective glass and hand sanitizers with pedal-operated dispensers.

* Hand sanitizers should be provided to all the residents and staff.

* Contactless processes like digital payments. Redistricted entry into elevators is mandatory.

* Rooms will be cleaned and sanitized each time a guest vacates.

* Large gatherings will be prohibited and meeting halls kept at 33 percent capacity.

* Gaming, swimming pools, children’s play areas, and gymnasiums will remain closed.

* Guests will have to wear masks at all times in the hotel.

* Only asymptomatic guests shall be allowed.

* All guests must download the Aarogya Setu app compulsorily and declare travel history at the reception.

Maharashtra on Sunday reported 6,555 new COVID-19 cases. This takes the state’s tally to 2,06,619. Active cases have now reached 86,040 while 1,11,740 patients have recovered from the highly contagious disease so far. The death toll in the state has reached 4,899.

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