Hotels and eateries in George Town are reinstating or continuing standard measures to prevent Covid-19 transmission in preparation for the upcoming holiday and festive season due to the recent rise in cases.
Melvin Ooi, general manager of Prestige Hotel, stated that the staff still wear masks at all times as a precautionary measure to minimize risk of Covid-19. They anticipate a jam-packed holiday season and have allowed staff the flexibility to remove their masks but keep a certain distance when communicating with each other.
The housekeeping department at Prestige Hotel is using suitable chemicals for daily cleaning and sanitizing the premises and rooms every time guests check out, Ooi added.
Similarly, Iconic Hotel’s general manager Kevin Cheah mentioned that while guests are not required to wear masks, they will be advised to do so. All staff have continued to follow Covid-19 SOP to maintain hygiene at the hotel. The food and beverage department staff will wear masks and gloves. The front office staff have the option to wear masks, but the hotel ensures that sanitizing kits are available in strategic areas such as the lift and public areas.
The Malaysian Association of Hotels’ Penang chairman Datuk Tony Goh stated that most hotels in the area have been upholding good hygiene standards even after Covid-19 cases dropped earlier in the year. The necessary precautions have been taken to contain the spread.
Restaurateur Shamsul Munir Safini, 39, mentioned that he has prepared hand sanitizers for his staff and customers. He will ensure all staff wear masks and gloves on the premises and workers who are sick are required to stay home and seek medical attention. However, customers are not being asked to wear masks unless there is a directive from the government.
Malaysia announced a transition to the endemic phase of Covid-19 on April 1 last year, easing some of the earlier controls and restrictions, but the pandemic status has yet to be officially lifted.
