Jakarta urges masks for tourism-related employees

Bambang Nurbianto and Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The Jakarta City Administration on Tuesday moved to curb the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), by demanding those involved in the tourism industry wear masks while working.

Jakarta Tourism Agency head Aurora Tambunan told tourism- related business representatives the move was needed to protect employees and to curb the spread of the disease, which has killed at least 100 people worldwide.

Monday's meeting, initiated by city tourism and health agencies, was attended by hotel association representatives, the entertainment association and travel agents.

"We need to take serious action to curb the spread of the disease. We hope that the tourist industry will respond positively to our call," Aurora said.

Head of tourist agency's division for people supervision, Wiyanto, said employers should provide masks for staff.

Four suspected SARS patients are now being treated at Sulianti Suroso Infectious Diseases Hospital, a hospital appointed to treat SARS patients in Sunter, North Jakarta.

The total number of suspected SARS cases across the country jumped from nine cases on Sunday to 12 on Monday. One SARS patient has already died in Cempaka Putih Hospital in Central Jakarta.

But seemingly, not all are happy with the administration's move to curb the spread of SARS. Some have even questioned the advice regarding the disease.

A spokesperson for Gran Melia Hotel on Jl. Rasuna Said, Kuningan Central Jakarta, A. Vasselina Afiati, said it was still pondering whether wearing masks was needed.

"Front desk officers wearing masks might frighten guests. But in any case our staff members have been briefed regarding the disease."

But, Beni Santoso, a guest at one of the hotels in the city, said he preferred to stay at a hotel where employees wore masks.

"Wearing the masks will indicate to visitors that the hotel is taking efforts to tackle the problem. And I feel safe when talking with hotel employees who are wearing masks," Beni said.

Eldridge J. MacEwan III, general manager of the Sari Pan Pacific Hotel at Jl. M.H. Thamrin, Central Jakarta, said the hotel had been taking a number of steps, such as communicating the latest information about the disease to their associates.

He said the hotel had three doctors and three nurses who had all been briefed on the disease. He said disinfectants and germicides had been applied in certain areas of the hotel.

I-box

Precautionary measures required by tourism industry.

1. Avoid visiting countries affected by SARS 2. Be alert to guests from countries affected by SARS. 3. Understanding and introducing general symptoms of SARS and

the impact of the disease. 4. Wearing masks and improving sanitation in working

areas. 5. Avoid direct contact with SARS patients 6. Contact the closest hospital if there is any suspected

SARS sufferer.

Source: City Tourism Agency