Whether you are a beach person planning a trip to Goa, Kerala, or a mountain person dying to hit the hills of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, here are the Unlock 5 guidelines that you need to keep in mind. By Tanvi Jain
View this post on Instagram
Other than abiding by the new set of Unlock 5.0 guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on September 30 for this month, the state governments have also taken certain calls as per the COVID-19 scenario in their area.
For example, while Goa has already reopened bars and restaurants, and has also permitted entry of tourists without any need to show a COVID-19 negative certificate or take a test upon arrival, it is yet to decide on the reopening of the casino industry, the proposal for which has already been submitted by the casino operators.
View this post on Instagram
Similarly, while Kerala has also started welcoming tourists, but has decided to keep the beaches off limits till November 1, unlike the rest of the attractions, which are now accessible. However, if you are planning a stay for over a week, you’ll have to carry a COVID-19 negative certificate or take a test upon arrival, or else undergo a seven-day quarantine. But if your trip is of a duration lesser than seven days, then you don’t need any of it. Apart from this, its mandatory for every tourist to register on covid19jagratha.kerala.nic.in, and immediately contact DISHA helpline in case they develop any COVID-19 symptoms.
View this post on Instagram
Moreover, starting October 15, the government of Uttarakhand has permitted the reopening of entertainment parks and other such public places. It has also allowed cinema halls and theatres to operate with half the capacity, and a gathering of 200 in closed spaces; all in non-containment zones only. Earlier this month, the state had resumed movement of inter and intra state buses as well, without any need for tourists to carry a COVID-19 negative certificate or stay for a minimum period, but with a mandatory registration on smartcitydehradun.uk.gov.in.
View this post on Instagram
Lastly, Himachal Pradesh has also reopened cinema halls, theatres and multiplexes with 50 per cent capacity from October 15, and has also allowed a gathering of over 100 people with proper social distancing. Last month, it had scrapped the need for any kind of registration, e-pass, COVID-19 test certificate, or any kind of quarantine requirement for any incoming traveller.
Related: Unlock 5.0 Guidelines In India: What You Can & Can’t Do Starting October