As the UAE government gradually eases lockdown restrictions to facilitate post-pandemic recovery, economic activities are getting back on their feet. Taking note of the ongoing situation, the National Authority for Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management has launched an integrated advisory for all hotel establishments to ensure the health and safety of their guests and other visitors. The health guidebook was prepared after taking crucial suggestions from relevant authorities.

There are 21 main articles in the guide focusing on necessary on various parameters including physical distancing in the hotel premises, cleaning and sanitization of guest rooms, regular health checks of hotel staff and guests, sterilization and hygiene protocols, along with basic regulations to be kept in mind during daily operations of facilities such as cafes, restaurants, swimming pools, health clubs, beaches and other utilities of hotel establishments.

The advisory makes it compulsory for hotel management to conduct COVID-19 tests of their staff members before reopening after which they should be re-examined every 15 days. Furthermore, use of infrared temperature scanners along with thermal cameras has been mandated which will ensure that staff members' body temperature is checked multiple times every day. Any guest or staff member showing symptoms of any respiratory disease should be prevented from entering the hotel premises.

As per the manual, hotel establishments have been necessitated to assign isolation rooms near their main entrances where they will take those guests showing virus symptoms until medical assistance arrives. It is also obligatory for hotels to not allow any guest into the room before 24 hours after the last guest has left the same room.

Taking note of safety of guests at other facilities at hotel premises such as cafes, gyms, restaurants, and swimming pools, limited capacity has been allowed with compulsory temperature checks at the entry points. Operational timing for restaurants and cafes is from 6 am to 9 pm with only four people to be seated per table which shall be distanced at 2.5m apart. Utensils, surfaces, and menus should be deeply sterilized after every use.

Swimming pools and beaches should be regularly sterilized and signs should be put in place stressing on physical distancing between guests. To avoid overcrowding at beaches, sections should be divided ensuring staggered entry of guests. In order to maintain public safety, facilities like health resorts, prayer rooms, and kids' areas will remain closed for the time being.

The detailed advisory has been circulated among all concerned departments such that these necessary precautions are executed effectively. Additionally, local departments in each emirate are allowed to formulate their own regulatory guidelines to maintain commitment to the safety and security of the citizens amid the global health crisis.

Significantly, regular inspections will be conducted by officials to ensure that hotel establishments and facilities are abiding by the rules and regulations mandated by the health advisory. Legal action will be taken against violators.

Notably, the National Authority for Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management has assured the UAE government to take all possible efforts in maintaining the health and safety of the citizens during the ongoing pandemic fear.