Flow of tourists: SOPs must be followed

With an ease in the restrictions imposed by the government across Jammu and Kashmir due to rise in the daily Covid cases, the flow of tourists has increased at the famous tourist places across the Valley, raising apprehensions regarding the resurgence in the deadly pandemic cases in the Union Territory again. The cases have gone down after the slew of measures taken by the administration and imposed restrictions across Jammu and Kashmir. However, as the flow of tourists increased, the district administration Anantnag has barred the day-picnickers from visiting Pahalgam to ensure that the virus is prevented from spreading. However, the other places, too, have been witnessing the rush of the people, especially locals. Keeping in view of the flow of tourists, the government should come up with stringent measures to ensure that the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are followed in letter and spirit. The rush of tourists at the famed places has brought smiles on the faces of people associated with the tourism industry, but one should not forget the responsibility of ensuring that the guard against the Covid is not lowered. This is the high time amid the prediction of a possible third wave, to follow the SOPs and other guidelines in spirit. Prevention is always better than cure and we should put our efforts to fight the pandemic jointly by following all the necessary guidelines till the situation is improved on the ground.