A coronavirus-secure hotel and meeting complex has been launched in Singapore on Thursday where visitors can communicate via an intercom through glass panels, reported AFP. The step is taken to avoid the official 14-day quarantine rule and deliver a disease-free stay to business travellers as the Asian financial hub slowly opens up to the world for trade. 

However, the international passengers will still be required to stay within the facility for the duration of their visit to prevent the possible transmission of COVID-19 to the wider community.

Notably, Singapore witnessed its worst-ever recession last year after a global pandemic infected millions worldwide and forced travel to halt, with international visitor arrivals plunging to a mere 2.7 million from 19.1 million in 2019.

Although the city-state will soon allow in business travellers from anywhere in the world as part of efforts to recover from a pandemic-induced downturn.

Also read: Singapore to build a smart ‘eco-city’ with automated trash collector, one central cooling unit

“The resumption of business travel and international meetings is important for catalysing economic recovery, in Singapore and the region,” Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said.

According to the government, the complex will initially have 150 guest rooms and 40 meeting rooms, which will later be expanded to 660 and 170 respectively. Travellers will be tested regularly during their stay and prior to departure.

Red light stays illuminated outside their guest room until their test comes back negative and then they can go about their business within the complex.

A Singapore-based medical technology firm has already booked to use the facility for up to 30 of its senior executives.