Maharashtra hotels allowed to reopen from July 8 with 33% guest curb

Furr easing coronavirus- induced lockdown, Maharashtra government on Monday allowed hotels and or entities providing accommodation services outside containment zones to resume operations at 33 per cent of ir capacity from July 8.

A government tification, which also covers lodges and guest houses, to this effect was issued here.

permission has been granted on conditions of se entities adhering to social distancing rms and or protocols to avoid spread of infection.

government's move comes a day after Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray interacted with various associations of hotels and lodges, and assured m of taking a decision soon on reopening after finalising Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

on-going lockdown in state will be in force till July 31.

Hotels and or entities providing accommodation services, including lodges, guest houses, among ors, outside containment zones, are allowed to operate with restricted entry from July 8, government said.

"se establishments will operate at 33 per cent capacity and on conditions specified, tification said.

government said that se entities, if y are being used as quarantine facilities, will continue to function as such unless local district/municipal administrations decide orwise.

Similarly, some part/whole of balance unused capacity (67 per cent) can also be used for quarantine facility by district/municipal administration, government said.

While allowing hotels to reopen partially, government has asked hoteliers to ensure only asymptomatic guests are given entry.

guests should be allowed only if y are using face cover/mask, which has to be worn all time inside hotels, government instructed.

government said guests are to compulsorily use Aarogya Setu app and are encourd to minimise use of housekeeping services.

government has asked hoteliers to display prominently posters/standees/AV media on preventive measures and guidelines about COVID-19.

hoteliers have been asked to ensure proper crowd manment in hotels and parking lots, mandatory rmal screening at entrance and reception tables, which should have protective glasses.

government has instructed hoteliers to make available for free hand sanitisers, preferable pedal-operated dispensers, at reception, guest rooms and public s for customers.

hotels must adopt contact-less processes like QR code, online forms, digital payments like e-wallet, among ors, for both check-in and check-out, government said.

It added that number of guests in elevators must be restricted, duly maintaining social distancing rms.

temperature setting of all air-conditioning devices should be in range of 24 degree Celsius to 30 degree Celsius, while relative humidity should be in range of 40 per cent to 70 per cent in line with CPWD's guidelines, tification said.

Seating arrangements in hotels must ensure observation of social distancing rms, while gaming arcades, children's play areas, swimming pools or gymnasium shall remain closed, it said.

government clarified that large garings/ congregations continue to remain prohibited inside premises.

However, use of meeting halls at 33 per cent capacity subject to a maximum of 15 participants is permitted, it said.

government has instructed to sanitise rooms and or services areas each time a guest vacates.

room should be left uccupied for at least 24 hours after a clients stay is over, it added.

In case of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case in premises of hotels, ill person should be kept in a room or area in isolation from ors and state/district authorities should be immediately informed about it.

government has stressed on proper disposal of face covers/masks/gloves left over by guests and or by staff.

Among or things, government has also instructed to carry out disinfection of hotel premises if a person is found to be coronavirus positive.