'Open invitation' to virus: Govt's word of caution after crowding at tourist hubs in Uttarakhand, Himachal

 After scary visuals of tourists flouting Covid-19 norms in popular hubs of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh surfaced, the health ministry on Friday reminded that the virus is still there, adding that such behaviour is an "open invitation" for the virus to infect.

Tourists visit the Mall Road in Manali after relaxation of Covid norms. (Photo: PTI)

The visuals of people throwing Covid-19 protocol to the wind in popular tourist hubs like Nainital, Mussoorie and Manali have prompted the government to give stern warnings and reminders that the virus is still looming large and any laxity in taking precautions may pave way for a third wave.

During a press conference on Friday over the Covid-19 situation in India, health ministry joint secretary played videos of people forgetting Covid-19 protocol at tourist areas of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, saying that this is nothing but an "open invitation" for the virus to come and infect.

With Covid curbs being relaxed and restrictions on movement being removed, more and more people are now heading out to tourist destinations like Nainital, Mussoorie, Manali and Shimla to beat the heat of the plains.

Concerning visuals have surfaced from these places of people overcrowding markets and tourist spots, even as the fear of a possible third wave hitting the country is very much alive.

Giving a word of caution on this, Niti Aayog member, health, Dr VK Paul, during the press conference, said: "We cannot lower our guard. A new risk is being seen at tourist spots where a gathering of crowds being seen, social distancing and mask protocol is not being followed. This is a serious cause of concern".

"Isn't this an open invitation for the virus to come and infect us?" health ministry joint secretary Lav Agarwal said during the same press briefing as visuals of tourists flouting norms at Mussoorie's Kempty Falls played in the background.

"We are still dealing with the second wave of Covid-19. We need to continue the display of Covid-appropriate behaviour," he added.

A video of hundreds of tourists bathing at the Kempty Falls in Mussoorie surfaced on the internet on Wednesday and went viral on social media. Social distancing went for a toss as people gathered at the popular tourist spot. Not a single person could be seen wearing a mask.

This video surfaced just two days after social media was flooded with photos of heavily crowded streets in Manali. While the visuals, in which people were seen violating social distancing norms comfortably, were concerning for many netizens, some took this opportunity to take a dig at the tourists by sharing memes and jokes.