Kerala to resume welcoming tourists with stringent COVID-19 regulations

Tuesday, October 13, 2020

The tourist destinations in ‘Gods Own Country’ Kerala will resume welcoming tourists but with stringent COVID-19 regulations from Monday. This has brought much-needed relief to the cash strapped economy of Kerala.

The hill, adventure, backwater and Ayurveda tourist destinations will be reopened for domestic tourists from Monday, while the beach destinations will remain closed and open on November 1, as it is difficult to restrict tourists in beaches.

To quote Kerala Tourism Minister Kadkampally Surendran, “The state has decided to reopen its tourist destinations in a phased manner in the wake of the crisis being faced by various stakeholders dependent on tourism, said. The unlock-4 guidelines of the Center have allowed the tourism sector to be reopened after taking precautions. Taking note of this, the state has decided to reopen the tourism sector and this would be a big relief for the ailing sector.”

Kerala has already eased the protocols, so that people from other states get to visit Kerala and they do not need to quarantine if their trips are up to seven days. Similarly, the domestic tourists need not undergo quarantine for seven-day trips. For those willing to spend more than seven days need to carry a COVID-negative certificate or go through a test in Kerala at their expense. If not, they will have to undergo seven-day quarantine in the state.

All domestic tourists will also have to register on covid19jagratha.kerala.nic.in and will have to adhere to the protocols. Domestic tourists will need to wear masks, besides physical distancing of two metres and using sanitizers during their visit. Those showing any symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection are advised not to travel to the state.

Kerala has also made the guidelines to be followed in the state public while touring the state. The Deputy Director and Secretaries of the District Tourism Promotion Councils were told to make sure that COVID-19 protocols are followed in tourism destinations.

In all destinations, the body temperature of tourists will be recorded. Kerala government has also suggested online booking for reservation of rooms and entry in adventure tourism centres.

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