IS SOUTH INDIA SAFE TO TRAVEL?

Since news regarding the outbreak of a new virus, Novel Coronavirus (nCoV) in Wuhan, the capital of China’s Hubei province was reported, the world has been on high alert amidst the threat of an emerging global pandemic. It’s no surprise that there is fear about the spread of the virus and concerns about the risks of travel.

“Invest in preparedness, not panic“, says Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO).

And now, the question is, Is South India safe to travel now? And the answer is a big YES!

Moreover, The World Health Organization (WHO) has also stated that there is no need to restrict travel since the risk of the virus spreading is low. With respect to inbound tourism, Rajesh Mudgill, Secretary, Indian Association of Tour Operators, says “the association has not seen any decline, and no apprehension in this regard has been noticed by any tour operator.”

Wuhan coronavirus is not a big concern in South India and for tourists planning a trip to South India, there is no need to change your plans. The Healthcare System of South India is much advanced and is taking every initiative to tackle coronavirus. The Top Medical Teams here are super vigilant and are sticking to the strategy of early discovery, diagnosis, quarantine measures and treatment to control the outbreak. Also, the Health Department’s Disease surveillance teams are doing proper screening at every International Airports in South India for travellers coming from China.

No Coronavirus attack in South India and Safe To Travel in South India:

I’m sure many questions have arisen in your mind reading this, like; No Coronavirus attack in South India? How can it be true as there are three cases already reported in Kerala?

Yes, at first three patients in Kerala were tested positive for novel coronavirus. The key point is that all three are students at a university in Wuhan and had travelled together from Wuhan to Kerala. Kerala government took adequate precautions to handle the virus, even before the state confirmed its first case of coronavirus. K.K Shylaja, Kerala Health Minister even stated that “No need to panic and the state will overcome the present situation as precautions are taken to deal with the virus”.

As of latest report, of the three confirmed cases in Kerala – the last two test results of the second patient have tested negative, indicating recovery. Two more results are awaited and we hope them to be negative as well. Also, 67 of the 72 suspected cases came negative which is again a hopeful sign.

The way Kerala dealt with the dreaded Nipah Virus with swift action and Govt’s initiatives is truly appreciable and is for sure that Kerala, in the same way, can successfully dispel the new deadly Coronavirus from its shores. The priceless efforts of Kerala Health Minister, K. K Shylaja in the fight to stop novel coronavirus needs a special mention and she has won many hearts for being extremely approachable and caring.

On February 3rd, the Kerala government had declared the coronavirus epidemic as a ‘state calamity‘ after the third student had tested positive for the infection. But on February 7th, the government withdrew the ‘state calamity’ warning status as no new positive cases of infection were detected over the last few days and 67 of the 72 suspected cases came negative. Around 13 persons who were under observation in the isolation wards in various hospitals across the state were discharged after it was confirmed that their samples tested negative for nCoV. Indicating that Kerala has managed to arrest the spread of the global epidemic in India to not more than three people so far. And the state is almost winning the fight against Coronavirus. Needless to say, Kerala is safe.

So what we are trying to tell is that the epicenter of the Coronavirus outbreak is Wuhan of China and currently the risk of acquiring this infection outside of the epicenter of the epidemic is incredibly small. So the risk of travel is remarkably low at places outside of China.

Hence places like India and its southern parts like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, etc need not have to get panic about this disease and the tourism industry partners in South India are more vigilant and equipped to provide a hassle-free holiday to the tourists, makings it absolutely safe to travel in South India.

India is a Tropical country and it is safe from Coronavirus:

An added advantage is that India is a tropical country and it is safe from coronavirus. Hence, the tropical hot climatic conditions of India will lead Coronavirus to die a natural death. Thus, travelling to India is absolutely safe.

*Summer Is Coming*

Germs and viruses are more likely to spread during the winter season. True to this, South India is safe again because summer is fast approaching. Thanks to Indian Summers! as the weather during this season is intolerable that it leaves behind no chance of the spread of coronavirus and definitely the coronavirus can be terminated in a matter of weeks.

Don’t trust the rumours spreading over the countries

Coronavirus misinformation is spreading over the countries and has caused mass confusion among people. Please don’t trust such rumours without evidence and no need for unnecessary panic over the virus.

WHO-India is taking the best precautions for Coronavirus attack:

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the novel coronavirus outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern. And WHO-India is taking the best precautions regarding the outbreak of coronavirus in the form of Airport surveillance, coordinated surveillance and monitoring measures.

WHO also recommends practicing enhanced precautions for protection from such viruses. Experts say good hand hygiene is really a good idea to protect yourself from any viruses and other pathogens. So, clean hands frequently using soap and water or an alcohol-based rub. Also, avoid close contact with persons showing symptoms of flu or cold and also wild animals, sneeze with elbow or tissues, and don’t eat raw or undercooked animal products.

No more panic! everything is fine here in South India and the entire place looks delightful like ever before, also a lot of vibrant festivals are on its way. To sum up, South India is absolutely safe to travel.

Come and enjoy your holidays in South India. Also, make sure you never miss out its colourful and vibrant festivals on your trip.

For tour details and bookings, visit www.southtourism.in