Three hotels sealed in Galiyat

At least three hotels were sealed in the Galiyat area on Monday by the health department after some staff tested positive for the novel coronavirus (Covid-19).

Galiyat Assistant Commissioner-III Ameenul Hassan, who was overseeing health department teams inspecting hotels and their staff, said that some novel coronavirus (Covid-19) positive cases had been detected and that they had sealed three hotels for 24 hours.

Moreover, the staff of these hotels were placed in quarantine while the belongings of hotel staff and hotel rooms were disinfected.

Earlier, Hassan had inspected the Galiyat market and shops in Nathiagali to review the implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) against the virus. He also checked the prices of different commodities and groceries.

Hotel sealed over SOPs violation

After the provincial and federal governments lifted a ban on domestic tourism last week, an unexpected number of tourists have descended on the scenic parts of Hazara division, including Galiyat, Thandiani, Shogran, Kaghan and Naran.

Mostly tourists, who were found to be ignoring the virus SOPs including those on social distancing in large numbers, particularly in the hotels, restaurants and picnic spots, were issued warnings.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 18^th, 2020.