Government warns against ‘revenge travel’ as tourists throng hills

NEW DELHI: Amid massive footfall of tourists thronging hill stations, the Centre raised an alarm on Tuesday, warning that ‘’revenge travel’ can jeopardise the gains and create fresh Covid-19 cases even as the country is struggling with the waning second wave to restart economic activities.
“Virus will get an opportunity to spread again if people continue to move around in hill stations and markets without wearing masks and without maintaining physical distance,” Lav Agarwal, joint secretary in the health ministry, said, urging people that relaxations be put to good use to undertake activities that are necessary.

Daily new cases have come down significantly in the last few weeks. “The pictures (from hill stations) that we have seen today are very frightening. Covid-appropriate behaviour is absolutely essential,” Indian Council of Medical Research director general Balram Bhargava said.
Officials cited an online survey involving 33,000 respondents indicating gross violations in terms of use of masks and physical distancing. The survey shows that 69% respondents were not complying with proper use of masks, whereas compliance to physical distancing norms were completely missing in 63% while 24% showed limited compliance. Only 11% said they fully comply with physical distancing norms.
“Now, with lifting of restrictions people are inferring that virus is over. Virus is still around. Gross violations of Covid-appropriate behaviour can nullify the gains achieved so far,” Lav Agarwal said.