State Tourism Department issues SOP for Tourists

State Government has allowed the opening of Entertainment and Amusement Parks including indoor entertainment activities and tourist places recently. Department of Tourism, State Government of Maharashtra, on Monday has issued Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for tourists across the State other than containment zones. Every tourist has to follow the SOP while visiting tourist places in the State. All local administrations, respective departments, tourists and stakeholders in the tourism industry of Maharashtra need to mandatorily follow the respective protocols. The protocols have been compiled based on inputs from a variety of sources to ensure that they are comprehensive and effective. While tourist destinations and businesses shall take necessary steps to implement the measures outlined in their respective protocols, it is also important for tourists to take adequate precautions to ensure their own health and safety.

Here are the Dos and Don’ts for the tourists

Tourists should strictly observe social distancing norms with a physical distance of 6 feet per person. Tourists should ensure that they wear a protective face mask while within the premises of any tourism destination.  Tourists should frequently wash hands or use hand sanitizers. Tourists should sanitize their hands after any contact with public surfaces including ticketing counters or check-in counters. Sanitizing stations shall be set up for their convenience at regular intervals. Tourists should avail on-line or digital ticketing facilities where available and book their tickets well in advance.  All tourists shall have their temperature checked at the entry points using noncontact devices and shall be screened for symptoms such as cold, cough etc. Service providers shall ensure that privacy is maintained during screening. Tourists having an abnormal temperature and / or flu like symptoms shall not be allowed to enter the facility. Persons above 65 years of age, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years are advised to stay at home, except required for essential and health purposes.  Tourists shall minimize contact with other staff and visitors. As far as possible, a zero-contact policy should be followed at all tourism facilities.  Tourists should avoid handling cash as much as possible. All payments should be done through digital modes.  Tourists should be advised not to visit areas falling within containment zone.