Hotels used as quarantine centres in Sarpang will now not be allowed to entertain walk-in customers. This is as per the decision of the Sarpang District COVID-19 Task Force. The task force reviewed the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and scaled up its surveillance in keeping with the surging positive cases in the country and the bordering areas.
With the new SOP, hoteliers operating as quarantine facilities have to identify a pickup and drop point for essential supplies. And with restriction of walk-in customers, hoteliers expect they are at least allowed to operate take away services.
“It has been three days that we have a separate designated place as a pickup point. We, the hoteliers and customers do not get in contact with the people who are in the quarantine,” said Nima Dorji, a hotelier.
“In the past, we used to get at least five people a month staying in the quarantine facilities but now it’s reduced to two. We have to pay house rent and staff’s salary. So it’s going to be difficult for us. Even if they do not allow the restaurants to operate, we would be grateful If they allow us to operate take away service,” said Beydhu Maya Bhataria, another hotelier.
With the new SOP, people in the quarantine are not allowed to come out in the balconies.
With the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the country and neighbouring areas, Sarpang district remains highly vulnerable to the community outbreak of COVID-19.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
