Singapore's hospitality sector was hit hard when Singapore implemented 'circuit breaker' restrictions on April 7, with most forced to cease operations momentarily. Not to mention that hotels in Singapore are already facing the worst occupancy rates in history following the lack of foreign visitor arrivals to Singapore. But there's finally a light at the end of the tunnel. On Friday, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) announced that hotels may now apply to resume two activities: providing accommodation to guests for leisure, and opening their recreation areas for children – subject to stringent safe distancing measures.
Before accepting guests, though, the hotels must submit an application to STB for assessment. The premises will then go through an inspection by the statutory board as part of the assessment process. Safe management measures each hotel must comply with include reducing capacity and inter-mingling of hotel visitors in the hotel's lobby and guest facilities. Additionally, no more than five individuals from different households can gather in any guest room. The hotel is also required to screen every individual for symptoms, including a fever or a runny nose, before allowing anyone to enter the hotel or each guest facility.
Hotels which have been designated as government-contracted facilities for Covid-19 purposes – such as housing individuals on stay home notice – would have to fulfil additional requirements. This includes allocating all rooms occupied by such individuals at dedicated floors or blocks that are segregated at dedicated floors or blocks.
We will soon be able to staycation again. However, it goes without saying that you should practise social responsibility and stay home if you're feeling unwell.
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