GEORGE TOWN – Around 90% of workers in the hospitality industry have received at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose in preparation for the sector’s reopening, said the Malaysian Association of Hotels’ (MAH) Penang chapter.
Chairman K. Raj Kumar told The Vibes this means hotels are “relatively” ready to welcome guests who are fully vaccinated, as per the perks granted by the National Security Council to states under Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).
At the height of business, hotels in the state hired up to 10,000 staff, but the figure has slid significantly following the closure – whether temporarily or permanently – of some establishments.
Raj, who manages The Light Hotel in Seberang Jaya, said staff who have not been vaccinated against the coronavirus should not deal with guests, and instead, work in the “background” pending their jabs.
He said MAH encourages members to follow the strictest standard operating procedures when serving guests.
They are to wear face shields and masks, and guest areas like restaurants and lobbies are to be sanitised every three hours.
Temperature scans for staff and guests are a must. And, housekeeping should take a longer time to clean rooms to ensure proper sanitisation.
Raj said guests entering hospitality properties must show proof that they are fully vaccinated.
As of last week, 46% of Penang’s 1.7 million population have gotten their first vaccine dose, while almost 20% are fully vaccinated.
The state is currently in Phase 2 of NRP.
Neighbouring Kedah, meanwhile, has seen a surge in infections over the last two weeks, and remains in Phase 1.
Langkawi Business Association deputy president Datuk Alexander Issac said the island resort remains on course to reopen next month, but acknowledges the need to ramp up vaccinations and mass screening in areas with clusters. – The Vibes, August 9, 2021
