Coronavirus: Hotels can operate normally

Mr Akwasi Aboagye, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, says all hotels can operate as expected and host their guests.

However, the hotel restaurants, gyms and other facilities will serve only the resident guests, subject to enhanced hygiene protocols and social distancing.

Mr Aboagye said this at a media briefing in Accra on Sunday, following the directives by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on the imposition of restrictions on the movement of persons in Accra, Tema, Kasoa and Greater Kumasi.

The Ghana Tourism Authority under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and in conjunction with the National Security Task Force on COVID-19, issued other directives for the hospitality industry including the following:

All hotel staff would be provided special passes by National Security, which must be worn in addition to their normal IDs.

Food chains and restaurants must operate only pick-up and delivery services whilst hotel staff would be provided special passes.

All drinking bars, night clubs and pubs within the specified areas of restriction will remain closed during the period.

All the hospitality facilities should observe the safety protocols and precautionary measures on public gathering as spelt out in the imposition of Restriction Act.