Punjab govt issues 14-point health SOPs for tourists

Parks and other recreational sites reopen today

RAWALPINDI:

As domestic tourists rushed to the hill station of Murree and other recreational spots in the district, the provincial government issued a 14-point, standard operating procedure (SOPs) for visitors.

Amid plunging cases, the government has decided to relax the lockdown, imposed to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19). Domestic tourism and recreation including parks and other sites are reopening across the province in phases.

To prevent another surge of cases, the Punjab Tourism Department (PTD) has issued a notification comprising 14 precautionary guidelines.

The notification makes it mandatory for visitors to use face masks at all times while visiting parks, museums, historical, and other recreational sites. Moreover, all visitors will be checked for their body temperatures at the entry points to these sites.

Moreover, banners and posters carrying the precautionary steps will be placed on all such premises.

While standing in the queues, it will be mandatory for visitors to maintain a safe distance of at least a metre. Only one visitor at a time will be allowed to stand at booths for purchasing tickets, and there would be a ban on huddling up at the counter.

Visitors using washrooms at the recreational sites will be provided with medicated soap. It has been instructed to use disposable cups or glasses for any food and drinks.

Further, the staff at these sites will have to undergo a brief medical exam before joining duties for the day and only the fit workers will be assigned duties.

The notification read that staff must be aware of all precautionary guidelines as well.

For the chairlift in Murree, the government has established three additional booths at Kashmir Point, Mall Road, and Patariata. Seats adjacent to elders in all rides and chairlifts will be kept empty as they are prone to contracting the virus.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 10^th, 2020.