Beijing's Hotels to Suffer Again With New Quarantine Rules

原创 Michael Wester theBeijinger

Beijing’s hotel business, already reeling from massive cancellations due to the coronavirus, are now grappling with what to do regarding the newly-enacted mandatory 14-day quarantine for all those entering Beijing.

While none we could reach were willing to speak on the record regarding this evolving situation, several major players noted that they too must enforce the 14-day quarantine, as per the city government directive released Feb 14.

How strictly the quarantine will be implemented for guests is still to be determined, as enforcement at this point has been left to property management companies and neighborhood committees. Two hoteliers have informed us that their local PSB is keeping close tabs on the hotel and one said that they were "constantly" checking with the front desk.

At the China World Hotel’s serviced apartments, guests were given a letter confirming the need to quarantine. “Kindly be informed that according to the notice by Beijing’s virus prevention working group on 14 Feb, everyone returning to Beijing must self-quarantine for two weeks to help prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, otherwise will be held accountable under law,” the note stated.

One CBD-area hotel said that all bookings with the exception of long-term stays are no longer being accepted.

A Dongcheng hotel has said that what few reservations they have left are being contacted to tell them they need to stay a minimum of 14 days, under quarantine conditions, or cancel.

A Wangfujing area hotel said guests are having their temperature checked twice a day and must sign a letter of commitment regarding the quarantine.

The quarantine applies to hotel employees as well, according to the owner of one suburban resort that is currently closed. “Any returning employees have to be quarantined in private rooms with room service for 14 days," he said. "[Since we are currently closed], we’re asking them not to come back.” They are continuing to pay their staff while at home during this time, he said.

Those that have already been in Beijing for 14 days can check into hotels but special authorization has to be given from PSB, one hotel staff member reports.

The sector is already reeling, with many hotels shutting down completely while others are keeping just a skeleton staff as their occupancy rate has dropped to near zero.

Nationwide, Hilton Hotels has already closed over 150 properties, while Wyndham China, owner of the Super 8 brand, has closed over 900 of their locations.