The operations of Weligama Bay Marriott Resort and Spa would be continued sans new room bookings following the heath guidelines, after a guest who stayed at the hotel tested positive for COVID-19 following nine days after his departure, the management said.

This was despite a letter issued by Weligama Urban Council Chairman Rehan Jayawickreme who ordered the full closure of the hotel for 14 days.

In his letter, Mr.Jayawickreme instructed the management to place all employees and guests at the hotel under a 14-day quarantine period and subject them to relevant tests in line with health instructions.

He told the Daily Mirror that what the hotel should have initially done was to halt operations for two weeks.
Meanwhile, area PHI H.M.Nimal said they have conveyed the letter to the hotel instructing to completely halt operations until PCR tests are conducted.

He said they would conduct PCR tests on all employees at the hotel on Friday. However, he said the Hotel had been operating in line with health guidelines issued on COVID-19 prevention.

Meanwhile, Weligama Medical Officer of Health Pradeep Kumar was quoted as having said that investigation shows that there’s practically zero percent possibility for the disease to spread and that they don't recommend closing the hotel.

Responding to concerns, the hotel said a resident guest who stayed at the hotel on October 3 has tested positive for COVID-19, almost nine days after his departure.

A spokesperson said the hotel is working closely with the local health authorities to carry out PCR tests on those who were in close contact with the infected guest.

“The hotel has taken measures to cancel room bookings in the best interest of Associates and Guests as advised by the PHI, until all required PCR tests are completed,” they said.

They said the hotel would conduct its operations on the guidelines of the heath authorities, and with explicit approval of the Public Health Inspector.

Earlier, Weligama UC Chairman Jayawickreme in a tweet said that the hotel has held a wedding for approximately 150 people on Wednesday night.

“I have instructed Marriott to halt operations, the staff to undergo a 14-day quarantine and conduct PCR tests on all employees and in-house guests,” he said. (Lahiru Pothmulla)