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Italy tightens restrictions on Covid unvaccinated

People in Italy who are not vaccinated against Covid-19 are barred from restaurants or taking domestic flights under new rules which came into force Monday as schools reopened nationwide. Only those who have recently recovered from a Coronavirus infection are exempt from the regulations, which represent a further tightening of restrictions in the face of rising infections. The majority of schools opened Monday for a new term under government orders, despite calls from headteachers, the doctors' union and some mayors to delay the return to class for at least two weeks. However, over 1,000 councils across the country were keeping their schools closed, media reports said. Top virologist Massimo Galli at the Sacco de Milan hospital said that opening schools was "imprudent and unjustified", while public health expert Walter Ricciardi described the situation as "explosive". Italy was the first European country to be hit by the Coronavirus in early 2020 and has one of the highest death tolls, at nearly 140,000. It reported just over 155,000 new cases on Sunday out of a population of 60 million. Over 86 per cent of over 12s have been vaccinated and jabs are available for younger children. Some 15 percent of children between five and 11 years old have had their first vaccine. The virus is "in an exponential phase. The reopening of schools will bring additional stress, and I fear the number of infections will grow at least until the end of January," virologist Fabrizio Pregliasco said. Trenitalia said Monday it had cancelled 180 regional trains, affecting 550 routes, due to coronavirus infections. Regional coach companies also reported hundreds of drivers off sick with the virus. The so-called Super Green Pass showing proof of vaccination or recent recovery is required until March 31 for restaurants, hotels and gyms, and to use local or regional buses, trains, planes and ships. FFP2 masks are now mandatory in theatres, cinemas, sports stadiums and on all public transport. Unvaccinated residents on Italy's small islands, which had warned they risked being cast into "forced exile" by the new rules, have been granted extra time. The locals- for whom boats and planes are the only means of getting off and on the islands- will be able to continue to travel without the Super pass for health and education reasons until February 10. Prime Minister Mario Draghi was expected to address the country on the new measures later Monday. Ricciardi, who advises Italy's Health Minister, told the Messaggero daily the latest restrictions "are not based on scientific evidence" and "will not stop the pandemic".

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Contacts of confirmed cases don't need to get tested unless identified as high risk, says government advisory

Contacts of confirmed Covid cases do not need to get tested unless identified as "high-risk" based on age or comorbidities, according to a new government advisory. The ICMR Advisory on Purposive Testing Strategy for Covid-19 also said individuals undertaking inter-state domestic travels do not need to get tested either. It said that testing can be undertaken either through RT-PCR, TrueNat, CBNAAT, CRISPR, RT-LAMP, Rapid Molecular Testing Systems or through Rapid Antigen Test (RAT). A positive point-of-care test (home or self-test/RAT) and molecular test is to be considered confirmatory without any repeat testing, the advisory said. Symptomatic individuals, testing negative on home/self-test or RAT should undertake RT-PCR test, it stated. "People who need not be tested: Contacts of confirmed cases of Covid unless identified as high risk based on age or comorbidities and individuals undertaking inter-state domestic travel," said the advisory. It further said that asymptomatic individuals in community setting, people who stand discharged as per home isolation norms and patients "being discharged" from a Covid facility as per revised discharge policy also need not be tested. Listing the category of people who could be tested, the advisory said in community settings, symptomatic individuals, at-risk contacts (elderly over 60 years of age and individuals with co-morbidity) of laboratory confirmed cases may be tested for Covid-19. Also, individuals undertaking international travel (as per country-specific requirements and international travellers arriving at Indian airports/seaports/ports of entries as per laid down guidelines) may be tested. In hospital settings, testing may be undertaken as per discretion of the treating doctor with considerations such as no emergency procedure (including surgeries and deliveries) should be delayed for the lack of a test and patients should not be referred to other facilities for lack of a testing facility, said the advisory. All arrangements should be made to collect and transfer samples to testing facilities, mapped to the health facility, it said. Asymptomatic patients undergoing surgical/non-surgical invasive procedures including pregnant women in/near labour who are hospitalised for delivery should not be tested unless warranted or symptoms develop, the advisory said. Admitted patients may not be tested more than once a week, it said. The ICMR's advisory is generic in nature and may be modified as per discretion of the state health authorities for specific public health and epidemiological reasons, the advisory said.

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Sarovar Hotels opens Venizia Sarovar Portico in Model Town

Sarovar Hotels announced the opening of a new hotel in North Delhi. This will be Sarovar’s 12th property in Delhi NCR. Venizia Sarovar Portico is located in North Delhi, in close proximity to north university campus. It elegantly blends timeless service with new-age technology to provide a seamless experience to visiting travellers. Venizia Sarovar Portico offers 69 rooms equipped with all amenities and comforts. The hotel features a restaurant Flavours, where you can treat yourself to a variety of Indian delicacies that are prepared by experienced chefs. In addition, the hotel accommodates a pillar less banquet hall Atrium spread over a 4000 sq. ft area. The hotel also houses a conference hall, where a variety of business and corporate events can be hosted. Commenting on the development, Anil Madhok, Executive Chairman, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, said “We are delighted to be consolidating our presence further in the Capital city. The opening of Venizia Sarovar Portico seeks to complement the demand for quality accommodation. Our superior banqueting facilities will make meetings and events easier, complemented with our signature Sarovar hospitality, whether it a business get-together or a social occasion”

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Banyan Tree Group debuts Homm in Thailand

Banyan Tree Group has launched a new brand, Homm, offering “wallet-friendly accommodations” in Thailand. Homm Bliss Southbeach Patong will see the new flag debut with a 71-room contemporary beachfront property in Phuket. The brand is one of five new offerings from the company. Guests will find ease in reliable services, signature facilities, communal dining options and well-designed, price-friendly accommodations. Through destination-specific, immersive travel experiences and locations in key second-tier cities, travellers can engage in the local culture before heading back to their ‘Homm-away-from-home’. “With the introduction of our Homm brand, we strive to provide guests with true ‘sense of home’ comforts that act as a base camp for new experiences and adventures, while simultaneously supporting the local community,” said Chatchaya Jearranai (May), hotel manager of Homm Bliss Southbeach Patong. The newly refurbished guestrooms in Phuket boast contemporary beach-inspired accommodations bathed in natural light, with 39 rooms featuring sea-facing private balconies and terraces or ground-floor plunge pools.

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Radisson Collection Hotel, Berlin reopens to guests

Radisson Hotel Group has kicked off 2022 with the launch of its newly-redesigned German flagship property in the heart of Berlin. The first Radisson Collection hotel in the country offers an exceptional hotel experience in an unparalleled location in Berlin-Mitte. Radisson Collection Hotel, Berlin has just completed an extensive twelve-month renovation, which encompassed the redesign of all guest rooms, a reimagined front-desk space and an exciting new lobby, bar and restaurant design. The famous AquaDom, a large freestanding cylindrical aquarium with 1,600 tropical fish, remains the centrepiece of the hotel lobby and underwent a thorough modernisation. The hotel features 427 elegant rooms and suites across six floors. The interior design combines wood tones with subtle grey and plum tones, accented by impactful artwork and stylish decorative accessories, which allow the rooms to feel highly contemporary and cosy at the same time. Beneath the aquatic AquaDom, the Atrium Bar is the place to meet, enjoy coffee and cake, a wide range of spirits, beer, wine and expertly crafted cocktails, as well as a selection of smaller dishes throughout the day. Radisson Collection Hotel, Berlin offers 2,750 sqm of meeting spaces spread over 15 multifunctional meeting rooms on three floors. “After an extensive creative design process and all the hard work that was put into creating our German flagship hotel, we are excited to launch Radisson Collection Hotel, Berlin. “The unparalleled location on the river right in the centre of Berlin-Mitte, the new interior design with its close attention to detail, and our signature Radisson Collection service level will make this hotel a fixture in the five-star hotel market in Berlin,” explained Oliver Staas, general manager of the hotel.

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Choice Hotels India launches Comfort Inn Coral River Pathankot

Choice Hotels India adds another glorious property to its portfolio with Comfort Inn Coral River in Madhopur near Pathankot further strengthening its presence in the Punjab region after Patiala, Bhatinda, Amritsar, and Zirakpur. Strategically located at the meeting point of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, Pathankot serves as the gateway to numerous popular tourist destinations including Dalhousie, Chamba, Kangra, Dharamshala, Mcleodganj, Jwalaji, and Chintpurni. Vilas Pawar, CEO, Choice Hotels India, said, “Punjab has a huge potential for leisure and business propositions. The region is culturally rich and a favorite destination for tourists. Holding up with our promise to offer an international experience with warm hospitality at best value proposition strong, we are elated to add yet another property in the city of Pathankot.” Dinesh Mahajan, Owner of Comfort Inn Coral River, a progressive Farmer, Environmentalist, Hotelier, and Horticulturist said, “We are proud of our association with Choice Hotels, and we endeavour to offer the best accommodation and service experience in the region. The USP of our resort is the location and the view. Together with Choice Hotels, we are set out to offer value for money accommodation with impeccable service.” Comfort Inn Coral River showcases modern guest rooms with high standards of amenities, understanding the quintessential needs of the guests. With picturesque views of the river, an around-the-clock in-room dining facility, high-speed internet, a business center, laundry, and a host of other services, the hotel is ideal for business and leisure travellers. The multicuisine restaurant River Vista serves Indian and Continental delicacies with buffet and ala carte options to choose from. Adore the mesmerising views of the river while you dine at the restaurant. Unwind at Oasis, an uber-chic bar serving refreshing drinks and an array of nibbles. The hotel also features a banquet hall, Baithak – fully equipped to host conferences, meetings, and social gatherings that can hold up to 150 people.

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