INTERNATIONAL: The Ministry of Tourism has instructed Capital and Provincial Departments of Tourism to request the cooperation of local authorities to stop business operations in the event that those businesses fail to implement or improperly implement health measures. The Ministry has also appealed to owners of KTVs, entertainment clubs, bars, discos, and beer gardens to prevent the spread of Covid-19 following a sharp rise in local Omicron cases.

In a circular letter released by the Ministry of Tourism on strengthening the implementation of the measures of the Royal Government, the Ministry of Health, and tourism safety measures to combat the spread of Covid-19, particularly the Omicron variant, the Ministry of Tourism Reminded the Capital and Provincial Department of Tourism and all tourism business owners and managers to strengthen the implementation of the minimum standards and safety rules (SOP).

These measures include strengthening the implementation of health rules, especially the "3 Do’s and 3 Don’ts”, and to register the identities and contact details of all tourists, who must register, create and use the QR Code Stop COVID system. Tourists are required to scan the QR code before entering any location, and all tourism business establishments need to strengthen management and determine their carrying capacity in order to maintain adequate social distancing of 1.5 meters, especially in establishments such as restaurants and canteens. Additionally, all businesses must ensure that all staff are vaccinated against Covid-19, with both the base and booster doses, and must monitor the health of all employees and inform local authorities if any suspected cases are detected among their employees or guests.

The letter states that the Ministry of Tourism calls on the Capital and Provincial Department of Tourism to cooperate with the Capital and Provincial Administration, local authorities, other relevant departments and private sector actors to implement the stated procedures effectively and responsibly, in order to avoid public health disasters, negative impact on family and socioeconomic standing, as well as to avoid a return to the hardships of daily life, and to ensure the long-term sustainability of new normal life.

The Ministry has also particularly called on all high-risk businesses, such as KTVs, entertainment clubs, bars and beer gardens to implement health regulations properly, ensuring that all staff are fully vaccinated, implement strict mask-wearing measures, wash hands regularly, check temperatures and vaccination cards and require guests to register in the QR CODE system, spray alcohol for guests before entering business premises, and keep the capacity of guests allowed inside at a safe limit as instructed by the Ministry of Health.