Maharashtra allows hotels to reopen from July 8

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

A government notification, which also covers lodges and guest houses, to this effect was issued in Mumbai.

The permission has been granted on conditions of these entities adhering to social distancing norms and other protocols to avoid spread of the infection.

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

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

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

'These establishments will operate at 33 per cent capacity and on conditions specified,' the notification said.

The government said that these entities, if they are being used as quarantine facilities, will continue to function as such unless the local district/municipal administrations decide otherwise.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The government clarified that large gatherings/congregations continue to remain prohibited inside the premises.

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

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

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

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

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

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