Radisson Blu Guwahati Locks Down 2nd Floor after 'Tested Positive' Tourist's Stay: Here's What Actually Happened

Guwahati, March 7, 2020:

The staff of the Radisson Blu in Guwahati, one of the few luxury establishments in the city, were in for a shock on Friday. In the afternoon, hours after Bhutan had confirmed its first case of coronavirus (or COVID-19), they were informed that merely a few days earlier, Hewitt, the American tested positive, had stayed in the hotel during his sojourn in Assam.

Vikas Ray, the General Manager informed us that the hotel was prepared for such an eventuality, and constant "sanitization" was being done in the hotel after the conoravirus alert was sounded in India. He said, "Yesterday in the afternoon we were informed that the guest was in out hotel; in room no. 224 in the 2nd floor, to be precise. The floor has been locked down until we get clearance from the Govt to re-open it.."

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Bedlam ensued soon after, and the Government sent its teams to keep a close vigil. "After contact tracing, it came to light that as many as 24 of our employees were in contact with Mr Hewitt and his partner stayed in the hotel for the night. Look, of course, when a guest comes in, someone comes in, we will have someone open the door for him, pick up his luggage, et al, until the moment he reaches his room. Interactions -- either direct or indirect -- will be there. So, altogether 24 people were singled out."

So, what happens to the people marked as "contacts" of the American tourist?

They have been taken for medical screenings, and they are currently in home isolation since yesterday, with their health status being monitored closely. "The patient came to the hospital one week back; thus, if they are symptom free for another day, they will be able to re-join their work, only after the Government gives them a clean chit", informs Dey.

The GM also informed that the "administration checked everything" and thankfully, he says with a sigh, not a single suspected case of the virus has been detected among the 254 employees who were screened.

"Yesterday, when the new first broke, everybody was afraid. However, were were reassured that this is a phase that will pass. Experts have checked all of us, and none of us are showing signs; there has been a coming and going of authorities'. Police also came for surveillance yesterday. It could have been worse, but the quick action in tackling this situation has perhaps made the situation a bit easier for all involved", Ray says, almost with the hint of a laugh.

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