Can Penang adjust quarantine centre criteria for more hotel participation?

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Penang Considers Adjusting Quarantine Centre Criteria to Boost Hotel Participation

Penang is exploring the possibility of adjusting the criteria for hotels seeking to become quarantine and treatment centres, following interest from multiple establishments. Royale Chulan Penang is set to begin operations as a low-risk quarantine and treatment centre (PKRC) on September 2, with three other hotels in the state having submitted applications for similar conversions. State executive councillor Yeoh Soon Hin has indicated that his office is facilitating discussions between the state Health Department and hoteliers to review the existing compliance standards.
Royale Chulan Penang to Operate as PKRC

Royale Chulan Penang will commence operations as a low-risk quarantine and treatment centre from September 2, with a dedicated medical team stationed on-site. This conversion marks a step towards increasing quarantine capacity within the state.
Three Additional Hotels Seek Conversion

Beyond Royale Chulan Penang, three other hotels have expressed interest in being converted into quarantine facilities. As of September 1, Yeoh Soon Hin's office had received one additional hotel application for PKRC conversion and two applications for quarantine hotels located in Seberang Perai. These applications have been formally submitted to the state Health Department for review and processing.
Addressing Shortage Through Criteria Review

State executive councillor Yeoh Soon Hin highlighted that while many hotels are interested in serving as alternative quarantine facilities, a significant number find it difficult to meet the stringent criteria initially set. He noted that out of an initial 13 hotels that offered to be PKRCs, only two proceeded after learning about the strict requirements. To address this, Yeoh suggested that the state Health Department engage with hotels to discuss and potentially revise the compliance criteria, thereby enabling more establishments to participate as alternative quarantine centres.
Dialogue Sessions Facilitated for Hoteliers

In an effort to streamline the conversion process and address hotel concerns, Yeoh's office has organised dialogue sessions. These meetings are designed to foster communication between the state Health Department and Penang hoteliers, allowing them to discuss the specific mechanisms and procedures involved in converting hotels into PKRCs, standard quarantine centres, and close-contact quarantine centres. The aim is to find a balance that allows more hotels to participate while ensuring adherence to necessary health and safety standards.

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Can Penang adjust quarantine centre criteria for more hotel participation?

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