Jakarta urges masks for tourism-related employees

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