The state government has just published fresh guidelines for the reopening of resorts, hotels, homestays, and others. The government decided to provide permission to hotels and lodges to function at 33 per cent capacity on July 8. This was done so as to maintain adequate social distancing at the locations. This also came at a time when Mumbai was already in its second phase of reopening with some services allowed to resume.
The new guidelines mention that every traveller will need to be screened for COVID-19 symptoms at the entrance while only those without symptoms will be permitted to enter.
Further, wearing of a face covering or mask has been made mandatory for all tourists arriving at resorts or hotels, with the guidelines specifically mentioning that those without masks should not be allowed to enter the property. It is also specified that room service for the guests will need to be contactless while ensuring that food or other orders are left outside the room.
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All guest-staff interaction will have to take place via the phone or the in-property intercom, while each hotel or resort will also need to make sure that the onsite CCTV surveillance system is fully functional at all times. Guidelines were also issued for B&Bs as well as farm-accommodations.
At the moment, Mumbai continues to face restrictions particularly with regard to free movement. The city’s local trains are currently accessible only to government officials and some essential staff, while the average office-goer still cannot use these services. Some private firm employees protested outside the Virar Railway Station yesterday as State Transport (ST) buses continue to miss their schedule due to traffic congestion on the city’s roads.
So while the State Government’s new guidelines for hotels is expected to bring some respite to owners as well as those willing to start travelling for leisure again, Mumbaikars who depend on local trains for their daily commute have no respite yet.
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