Odisha Tourism Issues Anti-Coronavirus Advisory To Hotels

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Tourism has issued an advisory for department officials and tourists as a precautionary measure against the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and its prevention in the state.

As per the advisory issued by the department:

—The owner/ management of every hospitality unit letting out accommodation to guests shall collect their detailed travel history in the last three weeks, such as countries visited, places of stay and travel through different modes as well as essential details such as personal ID and passport copies, contact number, e-mail ID, etc.

—Travellers need to be informed about repeated hand wash, cough etiquette, personal hygiene (not to touch eyes, mouth and nose) and to avoid crowded places and large gatherings

—Travellers should be instructed to report to the management whenever they experience any symptoms of fever, cough, running nose, difficulties in breathing, etc. In such an instance, the person may be advised to isolate himself/herself in the room.

—The management should immediately inform the local CDM & PHO and State Health Control room over phone No. 0674-2390466/ 9439994857/9439994859 and email www.ssuodisha@gmail.com or www.dirhealtho@gmail.com so that patients can be brought to a designated isolation facility in a specified ambulance with all infection control measures and necessary lab. The test may be conducted if required.

—Rooms used by such guests should be thoroughly disinfected and the linen completely replaced in accordance with best practices, prior to being let out to others. Such guests may be asked to refrain from using swimming pools, restaurants, gyms and business centres in the hotel/resorts.

—A 0.5% hypochlorite solution (3 tsp bleaching powder in one-litre water) must be used for disinfecting public areas and common contact points at least twice a day.

—For cleaning of floors, 1 per cent hypochlorite solution should be used within 24 hours of the preparation.

—Every room and common areas in hotels and accommodation properties should be equipped with 24×7 running water and soap.

—Hand sanitizers and tissue papers and foot-operated dustbins may be placed at reception, lobby, conference and circulation areas of each establishment.

—Drivers/ transport service providers engaged in the transportation of symptomatic guests should wear safety masks. Vehicles should be thoroughly sanitized/disinfected after transporting the symptomatic guests.

—All staff including kitchen, room service may be sensitized on basic protective measures like washing hands frequently with soap and water, avoid large gatherings, avoid handshakes, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth, practice respiratory hygiene by covering mouth and nose with handkerchiefs or tissue papers which should be disposed of properly or with a bent elbow and seek medical advice if anyone has fever, cough or breathing difficulties.