GEORGE TOWN: Low-risk Covid-19 patients who wish to quarantine themselves without endangering their family members and yet keep their creature comforts can now choose to do so in some hotels, for a fee.
From posh meals to plush spring mattresses and extra large bathrooms, low-risk Covid-19 patients and even whole families struck by the disease can hole up in the luxury of hotel rooms while their bodies fight the virus.
The rates start from RM150 to over RM250 a night, and most of the hotels authorised by the Health Ministry to do this are in the Klang Valley and Penang.
Vouk Hotel Suites in Penang caters for up to 250 patients in Categories One and Two.
Hotel assistant director of sales and marketing Mariana Omar said they charge RM150 per person and RM50 for each subsequent person of the same household.
She said a family of up to six with Covid-19 without severe symptoms can quarantine together using triple conjoined rooms, subject to the Health Ministry’s approval.
“The meal plans for patients are mild and non-spicy. At nights, mostly western food is served and patients can make special dietary requests.
“Patients are expected to arrive with their own transport or ambulance.
“Rooms are segregated to Category One and Category Two of Covid-19,” Mariana explained yesterday.
On Thursday, Royal Chulan Penang will also become a Covid-19 quarantine and treatment centre, with rates starting from RM250 a night.
In a statement, state tourism committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said Royal Chulan Penang was earlier a quarantine hotel to house workers from factories.
“We received overwhelming calls from Covid-19 patients who were concerned that they may infect others while undergoing self-quarantine at home,” said Yeoh, adding that 24/7 medical assistance will be available at such hotels.
Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang Chapter chairman K. Raj Kumar said more hotels in the state will be able to take in guests with Covid-19 soon, pending approval from Health Ministry.
When asked about the vaccination rate of hotel employees, Raj Kumar highlighted that over 90% of them have received at least their first dose.
A check on hotels in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur show that many now provide the same service.
Among them include Saujana Subang, Royal Chulan Kuala Lumpur, Silka Cheras, Grand Seasons Hotel and Bangi Resort Hotel. Charges are about RM200 a night.
Royale Chulan Damansara charges RM225 and above per night; The Club Saujana, from RM198; Geno Hotel, from RM187; Empire Hotel Subang, from RM185.
In addition, International Youth Centre in Cheras, Hotel Travelodge City Centre, Hotel Royal Chulan (Jalan Conlay), Tamu Hotel Kampong Bahru in Kuala Lumpur provide free stays to underprivileged patients in Categories One and Two.
Health Ministry only allows patients of the same household to share hotel rooms, up to two per room.
Only low-risk patients will be allowed to do this and they must not have comorbidities such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and obesity. They must be able to move about without assistance.
The minimum number of days to be in quarantine is 10 days.
The age limit for patients to be accepted are 15 to 65. Children between two and 14 years old must be accompanied by a guardian.
There will be no housekeeping or laundry services. Sufficient linen will be placed in the room to last up to 10 days.