The administration of Ladakh have reviewed the situation caused by the recent rise in cases of COVID-19 and fresh guidelines and prohibitions have been issued. Extending upon the current Covid containment measures, all schools and all institutes imparting coaching / tuition have been shut down for in-person classes. However, online classes will continue, according to the circular.
Curbing social life
Gymnasiums, Sports Clubs, Fitness Centers, Snooker Centers, and other indoor activities are shut for the public. Bars / restaurants / dhabas have been allowed to operate with 25% of the seating capacity. Strict night curfew will continue across the state from 9 pm to 5 am, non-essential services being prohibited during this time.
Strict night curfew will continue across the state from 9 pm to 5 am, non-essential services being prohibited during this time.
Curbing Tourism
The administration of Ladakh has cancelled all the prominent winter tourist activities including the very popular Chadar Trek over the concern of rising Omicron cases in the country. Chadar Trek is a popular adventure activity undertaken by adventurers. The taxing 105 km trek takes trekkers to the frozen Zanskar River. Another popular activity that got cancelled this year is the snow leopard sighting expedition. The activity was started to promote tourism in the Rupshu Valley in Leh.
Hotel owners are strictly required to follow Covid Appropriate behaviour. Hotels must provide for hand hygiene and thermal screening of guests at entry. Staff and guests must, at all time, use face masks. All details of guests, especially their travel history and medical condition is required to be noted.
Public Transport is allowed to ply with half of the seating capacity, while maintaining proper social distancing norms. The ARTO Leh has been advised to increase frequency of the Buses on the busiest routes to avoid crowding at the Bus Stops.
The Merchant Association Leh needs to ensure that guidelines related to social distancing and Covid Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) are strictly followed in the market area. Gatherings in shops must be discouraged. All the shop owners have been directed to display "NO ENTRY WITHOUT FACEMASKS" boards at their shops and ensure its compliance. Shop owners shall be liable for penal action in case of any kind of violation.
While no form of E-pass is necessary, Negative RT-PCR report on arrival (not earlier than 96 hours prior to arrival) is required for all passengers arriving into Leh. RT-PCR timeline starts from the swab collection time. Passengers in possession of final vaccination certificate, i.e., those who have taken both doses and have completed 15 days since the receipt of the 2nd dose shall be exempted from pre-departure RT-PCR requirement. While tourists from other states are allowed into Ladakh, Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) will be conducted on all the incoming passengers at the airport.
Final Word of Caution
Tourists may travel following SOP’s and guidelines laid out by the administration. But people are grossly advised to refrain from unnecessary travel currently. They must follow Covid appropriate behavior at all times to keep themselves safe in these challenging times.