(L-R) Godfrey Kiwanda Ssuubi, Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities hands over the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for hospitality enterprises during the COVID 19 pandemic to Susan Muhwezi, Chairperson, Hotel Owners Association during the launch held at Sheraton Kampala hotel on Friday, June 05, 2020. Photo by Titus Kakembo
HEALTH VIRUS
There are mixed feeling on how hotels are going to operate following government partial lifting of the Lockdown.
Demonstrated at Sheraton Hotel, front desk staff were seen with their smiles hidden behind masks and ventilators. Buffet ceases to be self-service while massage parlours and gyms operations are being reviewed to every detail.
"At the height of the crisis hotel business has been hit very hard," observed the Minister of State for tourism Geoffrey Kiwanda.
Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA) chairperson Suzan Muhwezi told members that for their business to raise its head after being crippled by the COVID-19 pandemonium, they have to dance to the new tune.
"We have to adhere to the rules until a vaccine or cure is got. The cost of operation may go up but we have to do it to ensure the safety of the staff and clients from the pandemic," urged Muhwezi.
Some of the hotel customers we talked to are contemplating moving with backpacks or briefcases with necessities such as pairs of bed sheets, towels, toothpicks, face towels, flip flops and pillowcases in them to adhere to the new law of not using a facility(bed) until 24 hours have elapsed.
Given the 24 hours per client rule put in place, managers are asking their clients to book space a week or month in advance.
Clients of massage parlours, gyms and sauna service are wondering how they will continue under the Keep Distance campaign.
"How do I go for a massage and be attended to by a masseur wearing a helmet, gloves and keeping a distance," asked a disturbed regular client. "I prefer the American massage which leaves no inch of the body untouched."
