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Celebrating the new year amidst Covid-19

26 Dec 2020

By Ravini Perera   Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector is one of the key contributors to the national economy and therefore an indispensable component of its GDP. However, with the Covid-19 pandemic taking reins this year, the country has suffered a tremendous blow to its travel and tourism industries, which experts believe would take months, if not years, to rebuild. Despite small groups of travellers from selected countries being considered for inbound tourism scheduled to start in the very end of the year, the hospitality industry continues to struggle. Moreover, while the cessation of air travel for international tourists has prompted the hospitality industry to redirect their efforts to servicing local tourists, the travel restrictions being imposed between districts have complicated matters for the industry even further. Many hospitality service providers have strived to adopt innovative solutions to cope with the fresh challenges during these trying times to keep their brands alive, with delivery and digitisation of services being their most prominent points of progression as of late. However, as the year draws to a close, the final and most hard-hitting blow to the industry would be felt on New Year’s Eve as the annual New Year’s Eve celebrations, which are held on a grand scale by hotels, are to be celebrated prioritising the health restrictions imposed by the authorities.   Facing challenges   [caption id="attachment_85167" align="alignright" width="300"] "Hotels will not cater to large gatherings this season...We have been given strict guidance which indicates that the maximum number of guests hotels are allowed to host is 50"    THASL President and Mount Lavinia Hotel Chairman Sanath Ukwatte[/caption] The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) President and Mount Lavinia Hotel Chairman Sanath Ukwatte, speaking to The Sunday Morning, shared his views on the challenges the industry has faced thus far and of the future of the travel industry. “This year by far has been the most extreme and devastating one the travel industry has encountered in the recent past. However, the Government of Sri Lanka has assisted us with coping with this difficult period, for which the industry is grateful. We hope for the continued support of the Government in the upcoming year where we rebuild the hospitality industry, which is one of the most affected industries, to regain an even better position.” Ukwatte also expressed his strong belief in the future and the ability of the industry to recover rapidly in the months to come. “The future looks promising with the vaccines being developed. We can look forward to the year 2021 as a year of recovery for all sectors of the economy, especially the hospitality industry,” he added. Referring to various mechanisms adopted by hotels to cope with the pandemic during the past months, he said that hotels have initiated various services such as delivering to the doorstep of the consumers that was carried out mainly with the expectation of continuing the longstanding relationships with their clientele, to occupy the staff, and to maintain the brand of the hotel. However, he said that it was evidently not a sustainable method of carrying out a business. Commenting on the preparations for the new year, Ukwatte stated: “Hotels will not cater to large gatherings this season, as it aims at prioritising the health regulations issued by the authorities. We have been given strict guidance which indicates that the maximum number of guests hotels are allowed to host is 50. Thus, guests considering visiting any hotel to celebrate during this season must do so following a reservation or purchase of a ticket as organised by the specific hotel. “The New Year’s Eve celebration is the most extravagant and anticipated event for all hotels and contributes significantly to the revenue. However, this year will entail a tremendous loss as hotels are limiting celebrations to lunch or dinner buffets, with no dance parties being allowed by the health authorities as of present.” The hospitality industry of Sri Lanka earns approximately Rs. 15 million to Rs. 20 million in revenue from New Year’s Eve celebrations held at hotels. However, a similar loss is to be expected with the restrictions placed on dance parties and buffets this time around, The Sunday Morning learnt. Moreover, 31 December is recorded to be the busiest day in a hotel calendar, with accommodation and restaurants (F&B) being completely occupied. However, this December, in addition to the aforementioned loss which is to be expected from the lack of dances, hotels are also expecting low revenue from its restaurants and accommodation services, totalling an estimated loss of Rs. 50 million to Rs. 60 million.   No approval for functions in December   [caption id="attachment_110796" align="alignright" width="255"] . As health officials, it is our primary duty to inform the public of the risks and benefits of their chosen actions. This is a deadly virus with immense complications and the public must act with caution Secretary to the State Ministry of Covid Prevention Dr. Amal Harsha de Silva [/caption] Public Health Inspectors’ Union (PHIU) President M.G. Upul Rohana shared with The Sunday Morning the details on the current law and the monitoring mechanisms in place for the festive season. Rohana stated that as per the Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance No. 3 of 1897, the circulars and orders issued by the Director General of Health Services are final and have been followed throughout the country since March 2020. Furthermore, until new circulars are issued under the aforementioned authority, the current law will be valid and strictly enforced by the responsible bodies. He went on to explain that the Director General has declared a quarantine situation in the country and according to his observations, circulars will be adopted to suit the constantly changing situations in Sri Lanka when considering the pandemic at hand. “No approval has been granted to hotels to host functions during this season, excluding weddings. Hence, no circular has been issued thus far authorising parties to be conducted at hotels. Only close family gatherings at homes during the new year are permitted,” Rohana said. He went on to highlight that special approval needs to be obtained from the Director General of Health Services prior to hosting large-scale events during this season. In case such functions are conducted within the respective divisions of the health authorities, an inquiry would first be held to confirm whether consent of the authorities was acquired, and if such approval has not been acquired nor granted, legal action will be taken under the abovementioned ordinance for violating the quarantine laws. “If permission is to be granted, a guideline will also be issued simultaneously, listing out the quarantine laws that are expected to be followed. Hence, prominence must be given to maintaining a record of the details of the guests attending the function,” he added. The Ministry of Health and public health inspectors (PHIs) of the relevant area where the event is to be held will be notified following the grant of approval by the Director General of Health Services to host a function. No large gatherings? Secretary to the State Ministry of Primary Health Services, Pandemics, and Covid Prevention Dr. Amal Harsha de Silva stated: “The hospitality service providers have been given specific instructions to avoid large gatherings during the festive seasons leading up to the new year. As per the guidelines issued by the Ministry, a limit on the crowds that hotels are allowed to host at a single time has been imposed. This may be subject to exceptions with prior approval, given that the venue is spacious or is located outdoors.” The doctor went on to stress that this festive season should be spent with loved ones at home, as mixing with large crowds is not advisable, especially as one cannot determine the moment of transmission of the disease. “For people’s own protection, it is best to avoid crowds all together,” he added. The duty of the public to avoid creating yet another Covid cluster during this celebratory season should be considered very seriously. Experts have predicted a rise in the cases by the end of January 2021, if health guidelines are not strictly adhered to this December. Focusing on the health guidelines issued for the festive season, Dr. De Silva went on to say that the following steps, among many others, must be considered and complied with by all members of the public:  
  • Avoid large crowds
  • Wear a proper mask constantly
  • Wash/sanitise hands regularly
  • Maintain a one-metre distance between oneself and others
  • Avoid consuming meals together in groups at a table/sharing plates and cutlery
  Consumption and sharing meals within a group have been recognised to be a fundamental method of the virus being transmitted amongst individuals. Therefore, the Secretary to the State Ministry stated that it is ideal if one could consider having meals by oneself. “The venue being open or closed is insignificant; the biggest concern of the authorities revolves around the organisation and serving of meals,” he said. Adherence to the health guidelines is mandatory. Hence, special approval needs to be obtained prior to any function being organised in breach of the guidelines. No permission will be granted to host celebrations in view of the new year at isolated grama niladhari divisions. He went on to mention that the virus is evolving on a daily basis, and thus the restrictions are placed not with the intention of harming or inconveniencing the public, but for the safety and benefit of all. “As health officials, it is our primary duty to inform the public of the risks and benefits of their chosen actions. This is a deadly virus with immense complications and the public must act with caution. We are not invincible at the hands of the virus and it is reckless to think otherwise.” He added that Sri Lanka has been fortunate thus far to experience a low death rate compared to other countries. However, whether such rates can be kept at a low point is a question left to be answered. Speaking about the monitoring mechanism of the health authorities to ensure the compliance of the members of the public to the guideline, he mentioned that an effective system has been established in collaboration with other government bodies and armed forces. Adhering to health guidelines during this season of celebration is of utmost importance and the failure to do so would entail severe repercussions. Therefore, it is the request and advice of the health authorities to prioritise private celebrations with loved ones and to minimise travelling and socialising at events.

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