While detailed research is going on around the new Omicron COVID-19 variant, states are taking up measures to combat its spread to reduce the possibility of a third wave. Some of the top winter tourist destinations like Ladakh and Srinagar are also tightening precautions for travellers. Ladakh is aiming to launch a genome sequencing machine soon. Srinagar has planned to set up free and paid quarantine facilities for travellers. Ladakh has suspended all winter tourism activities like snow leopard spotting and Chadar trek due to a surge in Covid-19 cases.
New Travel Guidelines For People Visiting Ladakh
- Travelling flying to Ladakh must carry a negative RT-PCR test report not older than 96 hours before the journey.
- Those without a valid COVID-19 test report must mandatorily undergo a test. They will have to undergo home or institution quarantine.
- Passengers declared suspects in the Aarogya Setu app need to undergo home quarantine for two weeks. In case of any symptoms, the district surveillance officer must be notified without delay.
- Thermal screening is mandatory for all incoming passengers.
- Those with severe symptoms will be put in isolation along with their contacts.
- Fully vaccinated travellers who have taken their second doses at least two weeks before and show no clinical symptoms might not require an RT-PCR Test report.
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Srinagar Sets Up Free & Paid Quarantine Centres To Combat Omicron Variant
Srinagar in Jammu & Kashmir is also taking steps to contain the virus spread. The city has planned to set up free as well as paid quarantine services for travellers amid rising cases of Omicron in the country.
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Travellers Can Choose Between Free And Paid Quarantine Centres
In India, around five states have reported Omicron cases, namely Karnataka, Delhi, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Gujarat. Dr. Mudasir Nabi, nodal officer of Quarantine Centre Srinagar has told ANI that the Disaster Management Authority of Srinagar or Chief Medical Officer ( CMO) have set up free and paid quarantine centres. A marriage hall and the Haj House have been converted into free quarantine centres. Also, paid quarantine facilities have been set up in four hotels. Travellers arriving at the airport can choose between the free and paid quarantine centres.
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The Authority Has Created A Team Of Doctors To Analyse Travellers
The CMO of Srinagar has made teams comprising doctors to analyse test reports and verify them before leaving the travellers. Incharge of the isolation centre, Muzaffar Ahmad appreciated the steps taken by the government. He said that the isolation centre has all the facilities and added that the beds are in place. He has also requested travellers not to hide any problems from the authority and said that the government needs the cooperation of the public. New Park Hotel manager Bashir Ahmed has informed ANI that the hotel is also offering complimentary breakfast.