Under strict conditions, hotels in Egypt to reopen at 25% capacity until June

Egypt announced on Sunday it will allow hotels to reopen for domestic tourists on condition they operate at no more than 25 percent capacity until the end of May.

The hotels are required to implement a range of strict health measures to guard against the new coronavirus, according to a Cabinet statement.

They must also have a clinic with a resident doctor, regularly screen temperatures and install disinfection equipment, the statement read.

Guests will have to register online, while workers have to undergo rapid coronavirus tests when entering resorts.

In addition, a hotel floor or small building must be used as a quarantine area for positive or suspected coronavirus cases.

Meanwhile, resorts are not allowed to host weddings or parties, organise entertainment activities, serve shisha water pipes or offer open buffets. Hotel restaurants will rely instead on pre-set menus and wider spaces between tables, according to the statement.

Family tables must not exceed six chairs, while single-use dining utensils must be used as much as possible.

Egypt’s tourist sector, which makes up 12-15 percent of gross domestic product, has been hardest-hit by the pandemic, leading to losses estimated at $1 billion per month.

In March, Egyptian government has suspended international passenger flights and shut down hotels, restaurants, and cafes, as well as imposed a night curfew.

From June 1, Egypt will allow hotels to work with a maximum 50 percent capacity, the cabinet said.

Earlier, in late April Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said the country would start returning to normal life gradually after the holy month of Ramadan.