"I think we have to learn to live with this virus, as with any other virus or disease, of course, respecting the precautions" - interview with Kovács István, owner of the Park Hotel from Sfântu Gheorghe
During the Visit Covasna Safe Place campaign, we asked the owners of the accommodation units in Covasna County, how were they affected by the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus, what did they do in the last two months and how are they preparing for the reopening.
Could you say some words about the place?
Could you say some words about the place?
The hotel was built in 1968, then privatized in 1998, and since 2009 it has been operating as a private company. The hotel currently has thirty rooms, three of which are double rooms, but it has also two apartments.
How difficult was it to adapt to the measures taken because of the coronavirus? What have you been doing in the last period?
How difficult was it to adapt to the measures taken because of the coronavirus? What have you been doing in the last period?
When the virus came, there were still 1-2 guests, but at one point, there were none. I think people panicked in the first week because they didn't know how dangerous the virus was and what to prepare for. According to the law, all staff were sent into technical unemployment. We took advantage of this moment and the renovations are still ongoing. We are renovating all the thirty rooms, we have new furniture, new curtains, new mattresses, new carpets and new bathrooms in the hotel.
How are you preparing for the opening? What precautions have you taken?
How are you preparing for the opening? What precautions have you taken?
Considering the law, we have already bought the disinfection carpet for the entrance and the thermometer. I placed small disinfectants in each room and introduced a lot of other measures, and I also prepared my colleagues what to pay attention to. For example, not to behave oppressively with the guests, but to explain that it is recommended to measure their temperature. We respect the regulations that have been recommended by doctors and professionals.
How do you see the future?
How do you see the future?
I see a gradual recovery. If hotels are allowed to operate, I would expect indoor terraces and summer gardens to be allowed to operate, so that we can serve our guests as well. It also seems very good to me that the expiry date of the holiday tickets has been extended. I think we have to learn to live with this virus, as with any other virus or disease, of course, respecting the precautions.
