Hotels and restaurants in the beach town of Cox’s Bazar have been allowed to reopen, but tourist attractions will remain closed as the coronavirus situation in Bangladesh has taken a turn for worse.  

The decision came on Monday at a meeting of the district’s Covid-19 Prevention Committee headed by Local Government Secretary Helaluddin Ahmed.

At a media call later in the day, Additional District Magistrate Abu Sufian said that hotels can only allow guests if it was urgent.

Restaurants and eateries cannot provide dine-in facilities; only takeaway services are allowed, he said.

"Hotels, motels, and guest houses are being reopened conditionally, considering the people whose livelihoods depend on the industry,” said the government official.

A monitoring committee has been formed for ensuring the health safety protocols at hotels, said Magistrate Sufian before adding that any irregularities will lead to closure of businesses.

No one can book a room for travelling or tourism; rooms can only be rented to anyone for urgent causes.

Hotels can have guests at half the capacity. Restaurants in hotels will only provide room service and the swimming pools will remain closed.

Besides, Disinfectant spray and temperature screening should be ensured at the entrances and hand sanitizers should be provided in all rooms, including the lobby.