State govt issues fresh guidelines for tourists

After the curfew imposed by the state government in all the Municipal limits, the citizens were left in splits about the tourism in 2021 to kickstart the year with travel and tourism to leave behind the traumatic year of 2020. 

In a circular released by the government of Maharashtra, the following SOP will be followed in the state for the Tourists.  

Government Guidelines
Use of Aarogya Setua) Aarogya Setu enables early identification of potential risk of infection, and thus acts as a shield for individuals and the community.b) With a view to ensuring safety, all tourists (except Foreign Nationals) to ensure that Aarogya Setu is installed by all having compatible mobilephones.

Safety and Hygiene
1. Tourists should strictly observe social distancing norms with a physical distance of 2 meters (6 feet) per person. Family groups can stay together as long as they ensure that are at least 2 meters (6 feet) away from any other individuals or family groups.2. Tourists should ensure that they wear a protective face mask while within the premises of any tourism destination.3. Tourists should frequently wash hands or use hand sanitizers. While facility management shall provide for soaps / sanitizer at common places, tourists should be prepared and carry their own sanitizer and wet wipes.4. Tourists should sanitize their hands after any contact with public surfaces including ticketing counters or check-in counters. Sanitizing stations shall be setup for their convenience at regular intervals.

Ticketing and Entry
1. Tourists should avail online / digital ticketing facilities where available and book their tickets well in advance. This will ensure that service providers have information to make adequate arrangements.
2. All tourists shall have their temperature checked at the entry points using non-contact devices and shall be screened for symptoms such as cold, cough etc.Service providers shall ensure that privacy is maintained during screening.
3. Only asymptomatic tourists shall be allowed.
4. Tourists having an abnormal temperature and / or flu like symptoms shall not beallowed to enter the facility. The management shall note down their contactdetails for such visitors and shall notify relevant health or administration authorities as per the government protocols. 
5. Any tourist displaying potential COVID-19 symptoms and the people accompanying the said tourist shall be moved to a containment area or isolation room for further action.
6. All tourists shall have to provide basic personal information when visiting the destination. This shall include name, contact details and government-issued identification. Tourists shall be required to give their consent for sharing details with administrative or health authorities, if required for contract tracing relatedactivity.

Guidelines for Tourists at Accommodation Units
1. Tourists should reach out to the COVID Coordinator identified by theaccommodation unit for any issues or concerns with regards to hygiene andsafety.
2. Only asymptomatic tourists should venture out. Those having even mild symptoms are advised to remain in isolation in public interest. 
3. Tourists may be required to fill out a self-declaration form in the format provided in Annexure. This shall be mandatory for accommodation units.
4. Tourists who have checked-in at the accommodation unit should not allow guests into their rooms.
5. Staff of accommodation units shall not enter the guest’s room unless necessary. The guests should ensure they follow social distancing guidelines with any staff that may have to enter their rooms.
1.4.General Preparedness guidelines for tourists
1. Persons above 65 years of age, persons with comorbidities, pregnant womenand children below the age of 10 years are advised to stay at home, except required for essential and health purposes. Management to advise accordinglyand the same should be communicated to visitors through promotional material and social media platforms.
2. Guests who are at higher risk, i.e., those who are older, pregnant or those who have underlying medical conditions are advised to take extra precautions.
3. Tourists shall minimize contact with other staff and visitors. As far as possible, a zero-contact policy should be followed at all tourism facilities.
4. Tourists should check the timings of the facility before they visit and plan their visit accordingly.
5. Allotted time slots should be followed by all tourists for the convenience of serviceproviders and other tourists.
6. Tourists should avoid handling cash as much as possible. All payments should be done through digital modes. All tourists shall be briefed on the dos and don’ts to be mandatorily followed during their time at the tourism facility.
9. While traveling all tourist should wear a face mask and carry their own sanitizer and wet wipes for personal use.
10. Tourists should be advised not to visit areas falling within containment zone.
11. Spitting is strictly prohibited.