Covid spike may hit tourism in Mussoorie, stakeholders wary
MUSSOORIE: The fresh spike in the Covid-19 cases, being reported from across the country, has instilled fear among the people involved in the tourism business who were looking forward to recover their losses, incurred during the previous Covid 19 outbreak and subsequent lockdowns that brought the once thriving tourism industry to its knees in the past two years.
Tourism department, deputy director, Yogendra Gangwar said. “Before entering Uttarakhand, two Covid vaccination certificates or RT-PCR reports are mandatory for the tourists to avoid the spread of the virus in the state.”
Following the state government directions, the district administrations have once again imposed the Covid protocols, including wearing masks in public places and a fine of ₹500 to ₹1000 for not wearing the same. Social distancing will also be a norm once again.
In the past 24 hours, 16 new cases and around 87 active cases were recorded as per the data released by the health department on Wednesday evening.
Director general, health, Tripti Bahuguna said, “The government has come out with the directions to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour, including wearing the mask and maintaining social distancing, for tourists and the residents. The health department is also prepared for any eventuality in future.”
President of Mussoorie hotel association, Sanjay Agarwal, said, “Hoteliers had suffered the most during the Covid pandemic and after investing heavily for the incoming season, had been looking forward to a good business this year.”
“We have asked all hoteliers to adhere to the fresh guidelines and ensure that the tourists also follow the norms. It is for their own safety and for the welfare of our staff, family and our town,” said Agarwal.
For the coming Eid weekend, hoteliers have received 80% advance booking and are expecting that the coming season will also be fruitful for the business community this year.
Chief medical superintendent, sub-district hospital, Mussoorie,
Dr Yatinder Singh said, “The effect of virus is mild on the people who have been administered two doses of the vaccine. It has also been observed that such patients are recovering after seven days of isolation.”
“Tourism is definitely important for the state but so is the life of the citizens, hence we have to take all the precautionary measures to curb the spike in the Covid cases and avoid any lockdown situation as was witnessed during the outbreak of the pandemic,” said Mussoorie resident Surya Jamwal.