‘Revenge travel’ amid pandemic is dangerous, warns Health Ministry

July 6: Citing media reports on rising number of tourists, especially in hill stations, the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday said that people were indulging in “revenge travel.” During a routine briefing, Health Secretary Lav Agarwal said, “People are indulging in revenge travel. Some photos coming in from Manali, Mussoorie, Sadar Bazar Delhi, Shimla, Laxmi Nagar Delhi, Dadar Market shows a huge crowd with no mask roaming around. This is dangerous. People need to understand this is a continuous fight. The virus is not exhausted it is still there. Only Covid-appropriate behaviour can control the virus.”

“We can nullify the ease of restrictions again if protocols are not complied with,” said Lav Agarwal, hinting at another lockdown if Covid-appropriate behaviour is not followed.

Dr Balram Bhargava, DG, ICMR, also stressed that some states in the country are still struggling with the second wave of COVID-19. also said that the visuals from hill stations ‘are frightening’ and urged that people must comply with COVID-appropriate behaviour.