Those travelling to Kashmir via road will not have to undergo COVID test. This move comes in the wake of rising Coronavirus cases in the country; moreover, those visiting Kashmir are reportedly testing COVID-19 positive in significant numbers. The state government has also announced that there will be mass vaccination of hotel staff across Kashmir Valley.
Srinagar Deputy Commissioner Aijaz Asad said that mass vaccination of drivers, hotel staff, houseboat staff, and others who are connected to the tourism sector as frontline workers, will soon be started across all tourist destinations.
He added that a special COVID-19 related training programme will also be carried out for houseboat and hotel staff members to make sure all COVID-related SOPs are strictly adhered to. He urged the tourism stakeholders to facilitate visitor’s stay by ensuring proper hygiene and sanitation in all hotels. He advised them to keep two rooms available, which can also be used as isolation rooms in case any visitor tests COVID positive.
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The Deputy Commissioner, while addressing a meeting to review COVID-19 situation, stated that ss shared responsibility, each stakeholder will need to work with their concerned departments to ensure effective tourism as well as effective dealing with the pandemic. He also added that all visitors entering the valley via road will now have to undergo testing at Lower Munda in the district Kulgam of South Kashmir to contain the spread of the virus.
Till now, only those coming via air had to undergo COVID test at the Srinagar Airport, after which they were allowed to visit their respective destinations.
Further, the Jammu District Magistrate cancelled all permissions related to exhibitions and fairs in the district in the wake of a sudden spike in the number of COVID-19 cases.
