COVID 19: How To Travel Safely During COVID 19

The tragic and dangerous disease – Covid 19 has taken the world by storm. From emerging in a small city in China to created global havoc, this disease has not only impacted the health of people but also led to widespread cancellation of travel plans and vacations. With uncertainty looming on the horizon, many people have now started to wonder- when can they travel again. Along with this, the fact that the Char Dham Yatra is starting from 1st May has also led people to wonder if they can at all make it.

With such doubts and questions in minds, we have answered the most frequently asked questions about Covid 19 and travelling especially in context to the Char Dham Yatra:

What Is COVID- 19?

The novel coronavirus is a contagious disease that is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. This disease leads to symptoms like- fever, dry cough and shortness of breath. In some cases (especially for the elderly) the disease can be fatal as it can lead to severe pneumonia and multiple organ failure.

Should I Cancel My Trip?

While the Covid 19 has gripped the country in quite a series manner, you still don’t have to cancel it outright. It is recommended not to travel right now even in the domestic circuit, however, you can easily postpone your trip rather than cancelling it.

The Char Dham starts on 1st May, so you can wait for a little and then plan out the trip. If you have already booked your tickets, then don’t worry, you can get in touch with your airlines or your tour agency and ask them to postpone the trip rather than cancelling it.

Can I Cut My Char Dham Yatra Short?

Till date, Covid 19 has not spread to Uttarakhand. However, if by any chance it does start to make an appearance there, then you can easily cut short your trip. Just fly back home. You can also plan a short trip by availing helicopter services during the Char Dham Yatra. This will not only make your trip shorter and faster but also allow you to leisurely see all the four sites- Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.

How Do I Prepare For The Char Dham Yatra During Covid 19 (Pre Travel)?

1. Check-Up: Get yourself checked by a doctor. The Char Dham Yatra is itself is quite a hectic yet life-changing journey. Thus, make sure you get yourself checked of any symptoms of Covid 19 before travelling.
2. Figure out your ailments: If you do have ailments related to the cardiovascular system, or diseases like high Blood Pressure, or diabetes, then prepare for the journey in advance. Covid 19 is most common in people suffering from these ailments. So get yourself properly checked, heed to the advice of your doctor and then plan for the Char Dham Yatra during Covid 19.
3. Visit websites/research: Before you travel, make sure you visit all the government websites (given below at the end of this article) and properly read about all the dos and don’ts during Covid 19. You should also check all the government regulations during this time. 
4. Keep numbers: Keep the numbers of few doctors and hospitals that are testing for Covid 19 in Uttarakhand for your Char Dham Yatra.

How Do I Keep Myself Safe During Covid 19 While Travelling (During Travelling)?

While there is no guarantee that the Covid 19 will still be on the surface during the Char Dham Yatra, however, if it is still there, you must take extra care.

Here are some quick tips about how to deal with Covid 19 on your Char Dham Yatra

1. Use the mask: Use the N95 mask. This is a heavy-duty mask which filters out about 95 percent of smaller air particles. However, please also note that if you have breathing difficulty then don’t wear this mask, since it can get quite suffocating. Instead, you can tie a handkerchief, especially if Covid 19 isn’t as widespread in that area.
2. Wash Wash and Wash: Wash your hands at every stop during the Char Dham Yatra. This is extremely important, and every time you take a break or stop you must sanitize and wash your hands with soap or use a sanitizer. The Char Dham Yatra has quite a few pit stops where water is easily available, so take a break and sanitize. Make sure you cover all the areas of your palms while washing and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. There are several videos on the internet to show you have to wash your hands during Covid 19.
3. Sanitize everything: Use sanitizer on everything that is frequently touched. If you are drinking water from a public cooler then use a sanitizer and sanitize it first. If you are staying at a hotel then make sure to sanitize all the doorknobs, tv remotes, and even the furniture if you can. Buy a sanitizer that has 60% of alcohol content and make sure the sanitizer dries in your palms, otherwise, germs can breed.
4. Get adequate rest: Rest as much as you can. Covid 19 preys on weaker immune systems. During the Char Dham Yatra, you will have to walk for a long hour. However, you must make sure that you are giving your body enough rest. Stop whenever you want and sleep for at least seven hours at night. You should also eat enough fruits and vegetables. Carry some snacks and fruits during your journey to keep your immune system healthy strong.
5. Cover yourself: If you do cough and sneeze then cover your mouth properly with your elbows. Also do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth too often. You can also use a tissue to cough and sneeze, however, make sure to dispose of the issue after using it. There are many dustbins en route to the Char Dham shrines, so make sure you dispose of your tissue properly in them.
6. Practice social distancing: If you find anyone near you coughing consistently then move away. Avoid any contact with them. Char Dham Yatra can get crowded, so try and avoid the crowds and keep a distance of one meter at least.
7. Test if needed: If by any chance you do develop symptoms related to Covid 19 then immediately call the nearest hospital and get yourself checked.

Is There A Protocol To Follow After I Return From The Char Dham Yatra?

1. Isolate yourself: The moment you return from your Char Dham Yatra keep yourself isolated for at least 14 days. If you develop any symptoms in these 14 days of Covid 19 then immediately head to a testing centre or doctor.
2. Monitor yourself: Monitor your health as well as you can. Sanitize every item you might have bought during your trip and only then use them. Try and keep yourself away from your family members as well for the next 14 days.

The Travel Bans Levied By The Indian Government(As Of Now)

To counter and effectively stop the spreading of the Covid 19 virus the Indian government has issued a few travel bans for the time being. You can visit the government website decided (https://www.mohfw.gov.in) to the information of the Covid 19 to get a full detailed view of the bans.

Here are some notable ones:

1. From 22nd March to at least a week, no international flights will land in India.
2. Even people with Indian passports staying at Covid 19 hit areas will not be allowed to come back for now.
3. Some states like Jammu and Kashmir has also banned the entry of foreign nationals as a whole for the time being.
4. As of now, mass closure has been issued in religious shrines like Tirupati, Vaishno Devi Temples, and Shirdi Temples. The ISKON Temple in Vrindavan has also been shut till 31s March.
5. Few other restrictions include- immediate quarantine for passengers coming to UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait. Indian nationals are strangle recommended not to travel to China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, Japan, France, Spain & Germany.

Websites and Links You Can Check Before Your Travel

• https://www.mohfw.gov.in

• https://boi.gov.in/content/advisory-travel-and-visa-restrictions-related-covid-19-0

• https://www.who.int/india/emergencies/india-situation-report

While there is no guarantee that the COVID 19 will vanish before the start of Char Dham Yatra, however, we all can do our bit by keeping ourselves safe and breaking the chain. You also do not have to cancel your trip, but you can surely postpone it to be on the safer side.