The corona vrus surge and the World Health Organization's announcement of an emergency have raised a number of obstacles and concerns for the tourist sector (with flight cancellations to and from mainland China), as well as for hoteliers trying to find ways to cope with the potential outflow of visitors and their staff.
The situation is exacerbated daily with deaths in China reaching 360, confirmed cases exceeding 17,000 and the virus spreading to 27 countries worldwide.
How easily can the virus spread
Experts do not have a clear idea of the exact way the virus is transmitted, or how easily it is transmitted. Many cases were directly related to the Wuhan market, but additional infections were clearly examples of interpersonal transmission.
The goal of the World Health Organization is to stop the transmission of the virus in China and prevent its "export" to other countries and regions.
Symptoms of Coronavirus
Over the course of the days, doctors and WHO observed a plethora of symptoms. These include mainly cough, high fever, and difficulty breathing. Some of the patients have been successfully treated and discharged within days.
What hoteliers should pay attention to
Hoteliers must respond quickly and take precautionary measures. This can be achieved through a combination of health measures, such as prevention of travelers' transmission, timely information and risk communication. The situation has things in common with the outbreak of SARS 17 years ago.
The measures proposed are the following:
Communication with the staff and constant reminder that their hands need to be disinfected. Providing disinfectant to staff and guests. Informing visitors about the availability of disinfectants and taking risk management measures. Review the evolution of the business and apply exercise to demonstrate whether the hotel structure is prepared for the worst-case scenario at the operational level. Avoid handshakes for the duration of the flare. Disinfect anything that travelers frequently touch, such as elevator buttons, switches, knobs, toilets, telephones, and the reception desk, among others.
Particular attention should be paid to the availability of disinfectants, as they may expire quickly.
Also note that there are no vaccines currently available for the treatment of Coronavirus transmission in humans.
Some measures to reduce the risk of transmission are the following: Frequently clean your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid contact with unclean hands with eyes, nose and mouth. Avoid close contact with sick people.
(www.money-tourism.gr)
