Hotels Authorized For Tourism: Standards and Regulations

In an effort to re-boost tourism, hotels have gotten the green light to reopen, however, with limited occupancy and with very high standards of sanitary and precautionary measures and regulations to once again safely welcome guests and employees. Here is everything you need to know about the current standards and regulations for hotels and resorts.

To start with, only hotels that abide by the hygiene safety regulations formulated by the Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities in accordance with the World Health Organization’s guidelines are permitted to resume operations.

These hotels have clinics with a resident doctor, protective kits and disinfecting materials to hourly disinfect surfaces and public areas, in addition to the availability of high-quality Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for both employees and guests.

Check-in procedures:

Firstly, e-bookings are made easier than ever with electronic payments and quick information-filling electronic forms. Once at the hotel, check-in procedures are done electronically or with disposable pens and all pieces of luggage are sterilized before entering the premise as well as at the end of your stay. And last but not least, regular temperature checks will be held every time the guests enter the hotel.

Here’s What To Expect During Hotel Stays:

– Regular temperature checks for guests each time they enter the hotel.
– Daily temperature checks for all workers and employees.
– 14-day quarantine for employees returning from vacation to ensure that they do not transmit anything to hotel guests.
– Providing separate housing for employees.

Don’t fear overcrowding as maximum load in elevators is restricted to 50% of its capacity and single room capacity is limited to two adults with only one child permitted if it’s a family room.

Food and Entertainment:

Hosting weddings, parties, and entertainment activities are not permissible for the time being.

-Only preset menus are available as buffets are temporarily put on hold.
– Dining tables will have a minimum of two meters between diners.
– Maximum capacity of 6 chairs at each table
– Hookah and shishas are still banned for the time being.
– Disposable cutlery is available
– Sanitizers on all dining tables

Facilities:

But the good news is that pools, beaches as well as gyms will be open, but only for guests, not for any outside visitors or non-guest daily users. However, strict cleaning and distancing measures will be put in place for these facilities.

– Swimming pools will be disinfected following international standards
– A minimum of 2 meters distance between sunbeds
– Personal use towels are delivered to rooms
– Spa facilities are not operating yet
– Jacuzzis, saunas, steam and massage sessions remain prohibited

Hygiene Procedures:

There is an increased cleaning and disinfection frequency of all hotel areas daily.

– Using POSI tools
– Using steam machines to clean fabrics and furniture
– Using high-temperature water to clean used towels and linens

Incidence Response Protocol:

Bearing in mind that there is a possibility that a guest might fall ill, there is an incidence response protocol that hotels and resorts will follow. First of all, each hotel has to have a resident doctor available at all times, and an onsite clinic. And a hotel floor will be allocated for quarantining minor non-critical and suspected cases. And all hotel workers and employees are educated on the virus symptoms and the basic precautionary measures against COVID-19 to help themselves and guests.

And fear not as the Ministry of Health and Population will be running frequent routine checks on the opened hotels to make sure that they are abiding by guidelines and regulations set by the government and not overlooking any hygiene or preventive measures.

iRead Summer Picks

Some dread the hot weather, some dread the sunny days, but for book lovers summer means one thing; we have more light to read by. So we ignore the heat, and we focus on how beautifully the sun shines on the pages. And since reading is a vacation for the mind, this summer, iRead has picked for you, the best books to take your mind on a vacation to.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Little Women is novel written in 1868 by Louisa May Alcott. The story is loosely based on the lives of the author and her three sisters. The book was an immediate commercial and critical success when published, and was adapted into several movie, and its 2019 adaption was nominated for seven Oscars.

Letters to Milena by Franz Kafka

Known as one of the greatest writers who discussed complicated and philosophical ideas, in this book Kafka revealed himself like he had never done before, his letters to Milena speaks of a relationship that started as a business correspondence and progressed into one of the most intimate love stories witnessed through letters. A touching read that reveals Kafka’s anxiety, despair, and love.

Children of The Alley by Naguib Mahfouz

Children of the Alley is told through several generations of the main ancestor Gebelawi. Mahfouz will take you on a trip through time, into the heart of Cairo, where you will see different generations of the Gebelawi family, and you will witness how sometimes societies can follow with a blind eye…

A Piece of Tuscany at Lucca in Royal Maxim Kempinski

Lucca brings together the Italian region of Tuscany with a Mediterranean-hearted influenced brought by Chef Giovanni, originally from the island of Sardinia.

New Menu Dishes: Culurgiones (traditional stuffed ravioli from Sardinia), Risotto ai Funghi, Tagliata di Filetto alla Fiorentina.

Dishes Sampled

Our preview of the new menu items was preset by Chef Giovanni. We were served two antipasti to share: Capesante Scottate on Vellutata di Cavolfiori and Carpaccio di Tonno, Salmone Affumicato. Four pan-seared sea scallops were served on creamy cauliflower puree, drizzled with pesto, with a very subtle drop of truffle oil and sprinkled with walnuts. The freshness of the sea scallop was unbeatable, they were sweet and tender, a simple yet elegant dish.

Our second antipasti was the Carpaccio di Tonno, Salmone Affumicato, a duo of tuna carpaccio and smoked salmon dusted with red caviar and an amazing flower honey dressing accompanied by avocado sauce and a little green salad. Next came the mains, Grisaliata Mista di Pesce con Risotto al Limone and the chef’s special Tagliata di Filetto alla Fiorentina. The Lemon Risotto was outstanding and perfectly complemented the mix of seafood; grilled prawns, seabass, scallops and calamari – that accompanied it.

Our second main was a long tender cut of American tenderloin cooked medium rare served with potato fondant, grilled red onion and oven baked garlic that makes it seems like butter. The cut of the meat itself was premium and the paired ingredients it was served with just enhanced its flavor and juiciness. We could not leave without rewarding our sweet tooth with two deserts. Semifreddo Gianduia and a lovely tangy Mousse al Limone capped off by two espressos. A perfect afternoon brunch.

 Other Menu Options that Appealed & Beverages Available  

We are curious about the Stuffed Ravioli, one of the chef’s signature dishes, and we would love to come back for a pizza by the pool. They looked very appetizing coming out of the wood oven. Cold and hot beverages are offered at a fully-fledged bar.

Décor & Ambience

The restaurant is located on the ground floor of the hotel overlooking the patio and pool. The interior has a Tuscany classic feel, dark wooden tables, red leather chairs, wall paintings of idyllic Italian scenery and large glass Murano style drop chandeliers.

Social Distancing and Hygiene Standards

Kempinski has taken this matter to the highest standards. The restaurant tables are set apart from a safe distance. The tables are equipped with hand sanitizers and the table is only set up when the clients are seated, meaning glasses and plates are not exposed beforehand and cutlery is served pre-packed in plastic wrapping. The staff is also wearing masks.

Clientele Mix: Hotel guests, fine diners, couples.

Price Range: Higher end which would be expected of a 5 stars hotel.

Worth Noting: Available for take away.

Contact information:

Opening hours:  12 pm to midnight.
Address: Royal Maxim Palace Hotel – Kempinski New Cairo.
Tel: 02 2249 5300
Facebook: @kempinskiroyalmaxim
Instagram: @kempinskiroyalmaxim

Malak: Vocals for Summer and Beyond

How often is a summer defined by one track that plays over and over in your head? Odds on, Malak’s latest release could be the one that stands out this year. The young singer/songwriter has come out with a personal but intensely relatable new single that will feature in her upcoming album.

“Can’t Catch an Emotion” digs deep into the emotional journeys of life, and love. Add the silky, velvety tone of Malak’s distinctive voice, and you have a surefire hit. Since entering the local music scene in 2014, she has steadily carved out a niche in the region’s burgeoning music scene with music that hits on the vulnerabilities of today’s Arab woman.

Going from her debut EP release “Alters”, ​ to a number of singles such as, “Wild Summer Hearts” ​ and “Spirits of Time”, ​ it didn’t take long for her music to hit the regional airwaves, and to date there have been over 1 million plays online.​

Raised with the music of icons like Cat Stevens, Guns & Roses and Dire Straights, Malak has nonetheless developed her own recognizable style, which has sometimes drawn comparisons with the languorous voice and introspective lyrics of Lana Del Ray.

Her unique talent has already seen her open for big names such as Oscar and The Wolf ​and ​Balthazar​, and with a debut album slated for release in the summer of 2020, we can expect to hear a lot more of this mesmerizing young songstress.

“Can’t Catch an Emotion” is available to stream on Apple, Spotify, Anghami and more.

Notes:

Captions: Photo Credit: Henar Sherif & Adel Essam

Contact info for the Address Book:

Agent: Radical Contemporary

Facebook: MalakxMusic

Instagram: ​@malakelhusseiny

Youtube Channel

Oasis: What You Need to Know About Telemedicine

Family health has never been more important. And now, with Covid-19 spreading, any move outside the home, let alone a trip to the doctor, raises fear of contagion. We got together with Dr. Amr Hassan, Associate Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at Cairo University and Director of Oasis Clinics to learn more about the online consultations offered in Egypt.

CWM: Dr. Amr, what can you tell us about telemedicine?

Dr. AH: This has been around for some time actually, with people using audio and visual communication tools, such as Skype. Two people can communicate, from the next room, the next city, or across the globe. It never really picked up before because it was always considered better for a doctor- patient consultations to be face-to-face. In some specialties it wasn’t considered workable, and that was the case, but now with the ongoing crisis, new solutions have been reached to meet the online requirement.

How can people register for a telemedicine consultation?

It is very easy to register, Oasis has four branches. You can reach our call center by contacting any one of these branches, and it will assist with the registration process. They can explain how the Zoom platform is used, the online payment process and all other procedures. They also send instructions by email, sms or WhatsApp. The call center will also request that any recent medical reports and test results be forwarded to the doctor so he or she can go over them prior to the online consultation.

What steps are involved?

An appointment is set up with the consultant, then no matter where the doctor is located at the time, the line is opened with the patient and they will have a 20 minute or longer consultation. Digital records of a patient’s medical history are kept with Oasis so the doctor will have a complete picture of any case. When the consultation is complete a diagnosis or course of treatment will be decided upon and a prescription will be sent by WhatsApp or email and the doctor will write up the notes to be added to the patient’s medical file. Test results come back to the doctor directly for follow up.

Is this as reliable as having an in-clinic consultation?

Oasis Clinics was one of the first institutions to respond to this need. In view of the Covid-19 situation, it was important to make consultations possible without risk to the patient or the medical team. In 50% of medical consultations a physical examination is not important, so it can be handled online. With the remaining 50 % we send a young doctor to the patient, to conduct any necessary examination or perform tests such as X-rays, electrocardiograms, ultrasound and laboratory tests and supply the professor or consultant with the missing information.

This decreases the need for people to visit the clinic and assists in social distancing, as follow up can then be done online. The most stringent procedures are in place to prevent any possibility of cross-infection. We believe that even after Covid-19 has passed, online consultations will remain as a convenient option for many, especially as it gives the scope for treating multiple medical problems through integrated medicine consultations.

Bio:

Dr. Amr Hassan Mostafa
Associate Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine – Cairo University.
Fellow of the Society of Cardiac Catheterization and Interventions (SCAI).
Member – American College of Cardiology and European Society of Cardiology.

Contact info:

Oasis Clinics
Tel: 0100 4000 777
Facebook: oasisclinics
Website: https://www.oasisclinics.com/

One Oak: Great Sushi and Steak Delivered to Your Door

We don’t know about you, but we are so over channeling our ‘inner chefs.’ It was time to leave it to the experts and stop slaving over a hot stove. A quick phone call and One Oak for international cuisine answered our prayers.

Signature Dishes & Dishes Sampled

Their signatures are excellent sushi selections and melt-in-your-mouth juicy steaks. Anyone who knows One Oak will include at least some of its exceptional sushi and sashimi in their order. There is a huge variety to choose from, all good in our experience, but on this occasion we opted for the range of New Style Nigiri and a variety of One Oak sushi and maki rolls. Every mouthful was an adventure, with perfectly fresh ingredients like eel, salmon, ginger, avocado, cream cheese and shrimp, with innovative touches like balsamic glaze and mango chutney along with the obligatory wasabi and pickled ginger. Just right for two to share!

For a change of mood we shared a generous serving of the new-on-the-menu Spicy Chicken Rolls. Imagine a warm, slightly chewy tortilla crammed with grilled chicken cubes, mozzarella cheese, red bell pepper, jalapeño pepper, sweetcorn, spinach and red beans, with a sweet chili sauce for dunking. No regrets there!

As we opened our main dishes we heaved a sigh of relief that we hadn’t gone overboard by ordering dessert. That would have been too much, by far! Our well-wrapped The Perfect Storm Burger came with a moist, tender beef patty, heaped high with mushrooms, grilled beef bacon, tomato, onion, lettuce and Swiss cheese, slathered in fry sauce. With generously cut fries on the side, it was everything we had hoped for.

The same can be said for the Angus Tenderloin Steak. Cooked medium rare as requested, it was still hot upon arrival, with large sides of oven-baked mashed potato, chunky fries, fresh al dente sautéed vegetables and a myriad choice of sauces. They were all tasty but it was the punchy, flavorsome pepper sauce that totally won us over.

Punctuality: A few minutes late, but that can be forgiven in peak traffic.

Ease of Ordering: Easy to order through the phone. All preferences were carefully noted.

Food Temperature: Everything arrived at the right serving temperature.

Presentation: We loved the chic black and white packaging and the well-sealed utensils. The dishes themselves were well presented within the limitations of the packaging.

Packaging Quality: Sturdy, secure and well-sealed with cling film.

Hygiene Standards: Excellent, with all items in pristine order. The delivery man was uniformed, wore gloves and a mask and adhered to social distancing guidelines.

Other Delivery Options that Appealed: The Crispy Orange Chicken and Mongolian Beef both look inviting. And we would definitely order the sushi selection any day of the week.

Price Range: Moderate upwards.

Worth Noting: One Oak also offers a full catering service.

Contact information:

Opening hours: According to current conditions. Please call to check.

Address: Majarrah – Sheikh Zayed Mall of Egypt – 6th Oct. Point 90 Mall – 5th Settlement
Tel: 16553
Facebook: 1oakeg
Instagram: 1oakeg

The Future of Medical Check-Ups is in Telehealth

Telehealth is not just the future of medical care; it is at the core of how we and our kids will utilize the power of the internet to make ensure a healthier life.

Covid-19 is a virus that has changed and is changing how we live our lives, from how we interact, travel, and eat, and now how we get our medical-care needs met.

It is a given that the world was moving ever so closer to a wireless future, but Covid-19 rapidly expedited this process, replacing classes with virtual classes, meeting rooms with online conference rooms, and the list goes on.

That is why at Tabibi, one of our most versatile and crucial services come to play, Telehealth.

Covid-19 or not, life had to keep going, and people needed to get their medical needs addressed. We made sure that with a click of a few buttons our patients could easily find the right doctor for their needs and directly get in touch with them. This ease of access ensures our patients’ needs are addressed without being there physically, solving a lot of issues that people might have faced before like being unable to get hold of a doctor during lockdowns or any other emergencies, or needing to make quick medical inquiries without a clinic visit, and most importantly having the availability of a quality doctor 24/7.

To make things even easier, our patients can reach a doctor either through www.tabibi247.com or through our hotline 16724. Our patients can also create an account on our website with their email and create a password, which is extremely encouraged by us as we move closer to creating a centralized medical recording solution for our customers soon, another huge leap, for another day.

Tabibi wants you to always be confident and assured that no matter where you are or how big or small your medical needs are, we will always have your back.

 

This article was brought to you by Tabibi 24/7, Cairo’s leading Family Medicine & Pediatrics group practice. Tabibi operates 24/7 and offers its services at the comfort of your own home or in one of its clinics.

Summer Home Essentials

Summer Home décor ideas

Sometimes it’s the little things that can make all the difference to a great holiday. Here are our ‘essentials’.

Mosquito and Fly Repellent Citronella Candles – Candle Connection

Indoor buckets: Place them throughout the house such as the kitchen, bathroom, living room and bedroom.

Available in: Orange, purple, green, yellow, blue, fuchsia and white.

Outdoor bowls: Enjoy your garden, terrace or balcony by placing the candles around your seating areas. We recommend 1 every 4 meters.
Available in: Purple, orange, lime green, aqua blue and fuchsia.

Candle Connection contact information:

Address:  221 West Arabella, Gamal Abdel Nasser Square, 5th Settlement, New Cairo
Tel: 02 2760 7820 – Mobile: 0100 109 4469
Facebook: @candleconnectioneg
Instagram: @candleconnectioneg

Ice Cream Maker – Yonanas

Make your own choice of flavors in a flash.

Icy Portable Cooler – Inspire Uplift

The Icy Portable Cooler is a cooling fan, a humidifier, an air purifier, and a soothing, 7 color night light, all in one, portable, compact device.

Pure Cotton Jaquard Bedcover – Nillens

Choose from a range of trendy colors.

Order from Nillens online now

Hot Fashion Pieces You Have To Have This Summer!

Sa7el Pulse: Everything Sa7el 2020 In One Guide

sa7el 2020

Sa7el Pulse is your ultimate sa7el 2020 guide where you will find features for a diverse number of Sa7el’s favorite spots whether it be restaurants, boutiques, hotels, nightlife, beauty salons and much more!

Also, don’t forget to check out the handy full directory of all sorts of businesses in Sa7el towards the end of this page…

Restaurants
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Desserts & Coffee

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Shops

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Beauty, Fitness, & Art

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Hotels

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Medical Services

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In addition to this sa7el 2020 guide, Click here for more coverage and reviews of restaurants in sa7el, nightlife in sa7el, hotels in sa7el, marassi, marina, amwaj, telal, stella, sachi by the sea, kiki’s, and more.