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Pakistan retained in UK travel red list

The UK health official said the current trajectory of the pandemic in Pakistan is also of particular concern…reports Asian Lite News.

The UK health official said the current trajectory of the pandemic in Pakistan is also of particular concern…reports Asian Lite

The British Government has retained Pakistan on the ‘red list’ of its travel advisory due to the ‘deteriorating Covid situation’ in the country.

UK senior health official JO Churchill, in a letter dated August 6 explained the reasons for keeping Pakistan on the red list of countries, reported The Express Tribune.

She said that UK’s Joint Biosecurity Centre continues to assess risk based on factors including incidence, trends in deaths/hospitalisations, exported cases as well as testing and test positivity rates.

Her response comes after Pakistan was retained in the red list of countries at the latest coronavirus travel update while India was removed from it, reported The Express Tribune.

The British government placed Pakistan and India on the red list on April 2 and 19, respectively. However, in an updated list, the government announced that India, Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE would be moved to the amber list from August 8.

“In Pakistan, the combination of a deteriorating epidemiological situation, combined with low testing rates and limited genomic surveillance, presents a high risk that an outbreak of a new variant, or existing VoC [variant of concern], will not be identified before it is imported to the UK,” she said in a letter.

The UK health official said the current trajectory of the pandemic in Pakistan is also of particular concern.

“In the past seven days, the incidence of cases in Pakistan has increased by 87 per cent on the previous week (19 – 25 July). The incidence of deaths has increased by 75 per cent in that same period. Test positivity is high and rising, growing from 5.6 per cent on July 26 to 7.9 per cent on August 3,” read the letter.

Major cities like Karachi have reported positivity rates of up to 20 per cent, she added.

The red list of the countries means only the UK nationals and those with residency rights will be allowed to travel to the country if they stayed in Pakistan for the ten days before they arrive. The amber travel list means that returnees can quarantine at home, rather than in a hotel. (ANI)

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India extends ban on int’l flights till August 31

The circular issued by DGCA said that the restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations ..reports Asian Lite News

India on Friday extended the suspension on international commercial flight operations till August 31.

“In partial modification of circular dated June 26, 2020, the competent authority has further extended the validity of circular issued on the above subject… regarding scheduled international commercial passenger services to or from India till 2359 hrs IST of August 3, 2021,” the circular issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said.

The circular said that the restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by the DGCA.

“However, international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on case to case basis.”

Passenger air services were suspended on March 25, 2020 due to the nationwide lockdown to check the spread of Covid-19.

Domestic flight services, however, resumed from May 25, 2020.

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-Top News Travel UAE News

Etihad launches IATA Travel Pass to 7 cities

IATA Travel Pass is available for guests on all Etihad flights between Abu Dhabi and Bangkok, Barcelona, Geneva, Madrid, Milan, New York and Singapore…reports Asian Lite News

 Etihad Airways has expanded IATA Travel Pass on flights between Abu Dhabi and seven destinations across its network as it continues to implement digital solutions to simplify the travel experience in the wake of the pandemic.

IATA Travel Pass is available for guests on all Etihad flights between Abu Dhabi and Bangkok, Barcelona, Geneva, Madrid, Milan, New York and Singapore and offers the convenience of a one-stop platform for managing COVID-19 documentation.

Mohammad Al Bulooki, Chief Operating Officer at Etihad Aviation Group, said, “The feedback from the IATA Travel Pass trial has been positive, with Etihad’s guests appreciating its ease-of-use and data security. Etihad is pleased to now make IATA Travel Pass available on flights to and from seven major global cities, providing more guests with the option of simplifying their journey and airport experience.”

Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security, said, “Etihad’s decision to expand IATA Travel Pass based on positive customer feedback is a strong endorsement of the solution. IATA Travel pass was designed to provide a one-stop-shop solution for travellers to safely and efficiently manage their COVID-19 documentation and generate an ‘OK to Travel’ which airlines can trust. It’s great to see the app in use facilitating the restart of international travel.”

Etihad Airways was one of the first airlines globally to begin testing IATA Travel Pass in April 2021 in support of a global, standardised solution for travellers to validate their documents and navigate COVID-19 travel requirements.

To access the IATA Travel Pass, guests need to download the IATA Travel Pass app for Android or iOS, where they can add their Etihad Airways travel itinerary, view their travel requirements and securely share their PCR test results.

The IATA Travel Pass app also includes functionality to upload vaccination certificates, opening up opportunities for travel where vaccination is a requirement. Currently the app is able to accept EU Digital Covid Certificates issued by all 27 member states of the European Union plus Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Lichtenstein as well as vaccine certificates from Singapore and Qatar.

As vaccines continue to roll out globally, more and more travellers around the world will be able to upload their government issued COVID vaccine certificates to facilitate seamless travel.

ALSO READ: Agreement signed to boost UAE’s industrial sector

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Most enchanting destinations in India

Varkala, located in the southern part of Kerala, is known for its calm ambience and vibrant, serene beaches. The red sandstone cliffs and lush greenery around is a sight to behold… N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe.

Travel is a passionate hobby for people in the modern generation. India is renowned for its diversity as it is home to not only a mix of cultures and cuisine, but also varied landscapes. While the country houses a plethora of well-known tourist attractions, it also has a myriad of such lesser-known jewels that make even the most intrepid traveller swoon in awe struck delight.

With travel restrictions easing and Covid cases consistently dropping across the country, domestic travel is booming. In fact, visiting smaller, unknown destinations, far from the city, away from the crowds and stress helps to satiate your travel appetite. EaseMyTrip.com shares list of India’s most enchanting and lesser-known destinations:

Jawai, Rajasthan

A hidden gem in India for tranquillity seekers is Jawai, named after the river with mesmerising views. The experience offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage with nature and wildlife. The granite landscape and highlands that surround Jawai are a sight to behold. As leopards dwell wild and free, Jawai symbolizes human-nature coexistence. The leopard safari is one of its kind in this wildlife haven, the city is home to wild animals, including nilgai, bears, wolves, hyenas, and chinkaras. In addition, Jawai is a well-known winter haven for migrating birds.

Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

While rolling over Scotland’s lush green pastures may appear to be a distant travel goal on your bucket list, you can get all of this in India for half the price and twice the joy. With abundant reserves of untapped natural beauty, Ziro is a modest picturesque town, nestled away in the enchanting mountain-scape of Arunachal Pradesh. In addition to its unrivalled scenery and wildlife splendour, the tranquil town is known for its distinctive Apatani tribe. Verdant greenery and breathtaking paddy fields, a fascinating tribal culture unlike any other, and a pleasant weather all year round makes it a must-visit travel destination. Since the past few years, there has been a growth in airline routes to the region resulting in swifter travelling options.

Morachi Chincholi, Maharashtra

Located 50 km away from Pune, this quaint village is the unofficial peacock sanctuary of Maharashtra. As the name suggests, Morachi Chincholi is a village of tamarind trees and dancing peacocks. Legend has it that the tamarind trees were planted during the Peshwa dynasty, which attracted peacocks to the village. A visit to this picturesque village will provide travellers a unique Maharashtrian village life experience as the villagers here offer visitors a bullock cart ride to the farm and help them get a practical experience of irrigation and farming life. One can also enjoy a simple meal of organic vegetables against the backdrop of lustrous ruby-green farms and dancing peacocks, which is a perfect escape into tranquillity.

Varkala, Kerala

Varkala, located in the southern part of Kerala, is known for its calm ambience and vibrant, serene beaches. The red sandstone cliffs and lush greenery around is a sight to behold. The coastal area is home to a black sand beach which is a hidden gem within the area. It is also a hub for the adventure enthusiasts as it is known for its water sports and adventure activities such as paragliding, rafting and parasailing. The destination is home to several fisheries, freshwater springs, hills and forts. Apart from holding the charms of a quiet beach, the coastal area is also home to pilgrimage sites such as the 2000-year-old Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Sivagiri Mutt, which can be spiritually rewarding as you travel to explore the unexplored.

Chaukori, Uttrakakhand

With majestic Himalayan peaks and verdant woods surrounding it, Chaukori is a lesser-known hamlet with jaw-dropping splendour. It is one of India’s finest and most distinctive hill stations, with breath-taking views of Nanda Devi, the Panchachuli peaks, and Nanda Kot. It is noted for its numerous Hindu temples, picturesque scenery, and tranquil ambience, and should be in the travel wishlist for a peaceful getaway. In Chaukori, one may engage in leisurely walks and high-intensity treks, both of which provide a magnificent perspective of the landscape.

Right from the scenic hill stations to gorgeous beaches to peaceful getaways among nature and culture, there is an interesting melange of landscapes across the country which are perfect alternatives for curious travellers looking for something different from the hustle and bustle of big, crowded cities. While travel slowly resumes in the country, it is important to ensure that safety remains paramount.

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Arts & Culture Lite Blogs Travel

‘Two Banks of a River : The Indus in Ladakh’

The online exhibition foregrounds the Indus’ significant impact in Ladakh, which crosses serene riverscapes, from the high Himalayas, through a melange of cultures and traditions, down to its delta in the Sindh and out in the Arabian Sea during its course…Siddhi Jain.

Ladakh is a dream place for most travelers. A series of photographs on the Indus River in the Ladakh region, taken by artist-photographer Isaac Tsetan Gergan, follow the length and breadth of Ladakh, from Nubra to Zanskar and Leh to Kargil telling the story of the river and of the state. On view till July 11 online, the exhibition titled ‘Two Banks of a River — The Indus in Ladakh’ brings to light the traditional practices followed by the locals and how the region’s waterways are imperiled by pollution and commercialisation.

Leh

The online exhibition foregrounds the Indus’ significant impact in Ladakh, which crosses serene riverscapes, from the high Himalayas, through a melange of cultures and traditions, down to its delta in the Sindh and out in the Arabian Sea during its course. Like it has nourished our ancestors, the river continues to bring life to the thousands of villages and communities along its course, says the exhibition about the life-giving river.

Building on how the Indus supports life, livestock and agrarian practices have built Ladakh, it shows how the Ladakhi way of life and everyday systems are sustainable and use resources wisely and in harmony with the environment. “One cannot say the same of today’s booming industries and infrastructure development.”

“Prayers have been offered to the great river, ashes dissolved into its currents. The Indus, like all water bodies, is sacred in these regions. The sacredness ascribed to water made communities use it wisely and deliberately, certainly not wastefully or thoughtlessly.”

The Vancouver-educated artist-photographer shares that the containers of water were prayed over, as they held a significant place in the home and were designed beautifully. “The plastic bucket, while cheaper and perhaps more practical, still pales. Do we carry forward our values related to water, even as we know of its decreasing availability? How can we still build our systems around traditional values connected with water?” says a note on the exhibition.

It adds: “Waterways are being polluted. We have a number of hydro-power projects that have come up too. Rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns, episodes of sudden downpours have increased risks to livelihoods and settlements. There is only so much water; can everybody have an equal share? The changes in the mountains are evident, many times before it is in the plains, owing to its fragility.

“Similarly the changes in climate are seemingly slow but certainly steady and constant. The impacts of Indus being dammed has altered life downstream, even if in small ways, or the flash floods that caused massive loss of life, land, and history. Sewage water seeping into the waterways, to the rise in tourism leaving an unmistakable trail of non-biodegradable waste, we come to make as our way of life. What is in our control and can we be better stewards of the resources we have been given?”

Leh

Reminiscing about a simpler past and reflecting on the present, the artist observes: “Photographing and writing about the Indus, hearing old folk tell their stories or experts giving presentations, I have been moved across emotions and thoughts about water and its central place in Ladakh. Sitting by still brooks to the banks of the raging Suru, I have seen water flow through Ladakh. Laying on the soft grass in a willow’s shade along a rushing stream, hearing the soft water following on the flattened pebbles is not only romantic but is still possible. From my position, while writing, on the other side of the bank are sounds of heavy machinery, earth movers, concrete and iron pillars rising higher, sweat under yellow helmets — a new age coming to the ancient mountains.”

The online exhibition is on view on the website of the India International Centre.

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Food Lite Blogs Travel

Chocolate tasting tour to Swiss

The space also houses the world’s largest ‘Chocolate Fountain’ which stands tall at 9m at the entrance of the building, as well as the world’s largest Lindt chocolate shop…writes Puja Gupta.

Are you a chocolate fan? Did you know that your favourite chocolate brands like Nestle, Lindt, Toblerone are all Swiss? Chocolates from this beautifully diverse country are famous across the world for a few reasons. Here they are:

Sweet History

The nation has a long history of excellence in chocolate making that goes back 200 years when Francois-Louis Cailler opened the first mechanized chocolate factory in Vevey in 1819.

He put into practice all the tricks he’d learnt as a trainee in Ticino with Italian chocolatiers. That was the start of Switzerland’s love affair with chocolate that continues even today with local chocolatiers still using traditional recipes handed down from generations. Though the Swiss chocolate industry is founded on tradition, it is always looking to break new ground which is one of the secrets of its success. In 1887, after many attempts, the Swiss chocolatier Daniel Peter, created the original formula for what was to become the first successful milk chocolate in the entire world. Peter called his product, “Gala” from the Greek, which means, “from the milk”. Before this, Chocolate was not considered a delicacy. It was more of a nourishing and medicinal food because of its bitter taste. Apart from this, the Swiss have taught confectioners several new and important techniques like tempering of chocolate and conching to texture and flavour the chocolate that creates a melt-in-the-mouth experience.

Passionate Chocolatiers


Last year, one of the oldest Swiss chocolatiers in the world — Lindt, launched the ‘Home of Chocolate’ in Zurich. This 65,000 sq. ft., three-floor, multi-functional museum space dedicated only to chocolate, is devoted to the history and production of one of Switzerland’s most delectable exports. The space also houses the world’s largest ‘Chocolate Fountain’ which stands tall at 9m at the entrance of the building, as well as the world’s largest Lindt chocolate shop, a Lindt cafe, and a Lindt Chocolateria for people who like to make their own chocolate creations. An ode to chocoholic’s world over, this chocolate haven is yet another reason why we all need to add Switzerland to our travel bucket lists!

Chocolate Tours

Across Switzerland, travellers can experience different chocolate tasting tours in Zurich, Bern and Basel. One of the more unique and fun chocolate tours takes guests through Lavaux. On this route, travellers can go on a hike to learn more about the history of this sweet temptation while also savouring the delights of Grand Cru pralines en-route! One can also head to the Funky Chocolate Club in Interlaken to discover the art of chocolate making. The Club provides visitors with aprons, a chef’s hat and all the ingredients needed to step into the shoes of a real chocolatier and create a personalized Choco masterpiece!

In addition to the tours, the Montreux-Berner Oberland railway has dedicated a whole train to the world’s most irresistible temptation. The Chocolate train runs between Montreux and the Cailler-Nestle chocolate factory at Broc and is a ‘must-do’ for those who want to satiate the ‘sweet tooth’ as well as for the railway and travel enthusiasts. With such an abundance of chocolate available across the country, it is not difficult to imagine that the Swiss are the biggest consumers of chocolate than any other nation in the world. They eat a record 11kgs of chocolate a year! No wonder then that they are a happy lot. Chocolate is known to have extremely soothing properties and is a known brain stimulator. So, the best thing to take your mind off morbid news and thoughts these days would be to grab a bar of Swiss chocolate, uplift your spirit and relax!

In the meanwhile, until you plan your next holiday to Switzerland, you can tease your taste buds and take a virtual tour of the Lindt museum here:
https://youtu.be/e2fOpOsAAdo.

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Business Travel Travel & Tourism

India’s air passenger traffic rises 41% in june

Besides, ICRA said the airlines’ capacity deployment for June 2021 was around 46 per cent higher than June 2020….reports Asian Lite News

Domestic air passenger traffic is expected to have grown at 41-42 per cent sequentially in June, said ratings agency ICRA.

Accordingly, the June 2021’s domestic passenger traffic is estimated at 29-30 lakh, implying a sequential growth of 41-42 per cent compared to 19.8 lakh in May 2021.

Besides, ICRA said the airlines’ capacity deployment for June 2021 was around 46 per cent higher than June 2020.

On a sequential basis, the number of departures in June 2021 were higher by 14-15 per cent as Covid-19 infections demonstrated a downward trajectory, the agency said.

According to Kinjal Shah, Vice President & Co-Group Head, ICRA: “For June 2021, the average daily departures were at 1,100, significantly higher than average daily departures of 700 in June 2020, and higher than 900 in May 2021, though remains significantly lower than 2,000 in April 2021.”

“The average number of passengers per flight during June 2021 was 94, against an average of 77 passengers per flight in May 2021. Though there is some recovery observed in June 2021, there exists continued stress on demand, driven largely by the second wave of the pandemic, limiting travel to only necessary travel, while both leisure and business travel have been curtailed due to various state-wide restrictions, despite the decline in infections.”

At present, airlines’ permissible capacity deployment is at 65 per cent of pre-Covid levels applicable up to July 31, 2021.

Furthermore, ICRA pointed out that international passenger traffic for Indian carriers under the Vande Bharat Mission (VBM) was estimated at 1.47 lakh, a sequential growth of 4 per cent as flights to or from India remained suspended in June 2021 by many countries, citing the new variant of Covid-19 and high infection levels.

On aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices, it said until February 2021, the jet fuel cost was lower on a YoY basis, in March 2021, April 2021, May 2021 and June 2021, prices were higher by 3 per cent, 59.8 per cent, 103.4 per cent, 86.3 per cent respectively, on a YoY basis.

“In July 2021, the prices have been higher by 59.7 per cent on a YoY basis, attributed to the low base of July 2020, when the prices declined YoY by 31.1 per cent due to the impact of the pandemic.”

ALSO READ: Post-Covid Challenges of Global Aviation

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India to give free tourist visa to 5 lakh travellers

The scheme will be applicable till March 31, 2022 or till 5,00,000 visas are issued, whichever is earlier….reports Asian Lite News

As part of plan to provide relief to the tourism industry, among the worst affected sectors by the pandemic, and to encourage travel activities, the government on Monday said that it would offer tourist visa free of charge till March 31, 2022.

As part of the financial relief package for the travel industry, finance minister Sitharaman announced that once visa issuance is restarted, the first 5 lakh tourists’ visas will be issued free of charge.

She said that this has been one of the demands of the travel industry which the government has accepted. The financial implication of the move is expected in the range of Rs 100 crore.

The scheme will be applicable till March 31, 2022 or till 5,00,000 visas are issued, whichever is earlier. The benefit will also be available only once per tourist.

About 10.93 million foreign tourists visited India in 2019, spent $30.098 billion on leisure and business. Average daily stay for a foreign tourist in India is 21 days. Average daily spending of a tourist in India is around $34 (Rs 2,400).

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Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday welcomed the initiatives announced by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to provide relief to the tourism sector.

Goa is one of India’s busiest and most attractive tourist destinations.

“I have not got the details yet. Once I get it, I will brief the media. But I welcome the step,” Sawant said.

Earlier on Monday, Sitharaman unveiled a series of measures to boost the Covid-hit tourism sector by announcing five lakh free tourist visas for international travellers and a financial package for registered travel agencies and tourist guides, among other loan benefits, in order to resume business activity which has been crippled by the pandemic.

Goa is one of the most popular beach and nightlife tourism destinations in the country. Before the pandemic paralysed the industry, nearly eight million tourist arrivals were recorded in the state in 2019.

ALSO READ: India to share Covid vax tech with 50 countries

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-Top News Travel UAE News

Emirates expands IATA Travel Pass to 10 cities

Partners with Alhosn to offer its customers greater convenience and smoother journeys, reports Asian Lite News

Emirates, one of the first global airlines to pilot the IATA Travel Pass in April, is offering the IATA Travel Pass solution to customers flying to 10 cities and plans to extend it to all routes across its network in the coming weeks.

Emirates has also partnered with Alhosn, the official UAE app for Covid-19 related contact tracing and health documentation, to offer its customers greater convenience and smoother journeys.

Emirates customers flying between Dubai and the following cities: London, Barcelona, Madrid, Istanbul, New York JFK, Moscow, Frankfurt, Charles De Gaulle, and Amsterdam; can now use IATA Travel Pass to access the latest Covid-19 related travel information including the location of PCR test labs, and manage their Covid-19 travel documentation such as vaccination and latest PCR test results.

Passengers on these flights will receive an SMS and email with the activation code and instructions on downloading the IATA Travel Pass app.

The airline is progressing on plans to roll out the IATA Travel Pass solution across its global network.

Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Chief Operating Officer, said, “Over the past months, we have really accelerated our biometric, contactless and digital travel verification projects to provide our customers with even greater convenience and assurance when they fly with Emirates.”

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He added that this project delivers multiple benefits from better customer experiences to the reduced use of paper, and improved efficiency and reliability in travel document checks.

The IATA Travel Pass app is now available to both iOS and Android users, and can also be used by customers with non-biometric passports.

From July, Emirates will integrate the Alhosn app with its check-in systems, expanding on its existing integration with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). This enables customers travelling from the UAE to benefit from the quick and convenient digital retrieval and verification of Covid-19 medical records, regardless of where in the UAE they had completed their vaccination, or Covid-19 PCR and antigen tests.

Customers who opt to allow access to their Covid-19 related health information via the Alhosn app for travel purposes can rest assured that once check-in formalities are completed, information related to their Covid-19 medical records will be immediately discarded from the Emirates systems.

The IATA Travel Pass is a digital solution developed by the airline industry body, the International Air Transport Association (IATA). It aims to provide governments, airlines, laboratories and passengers with up-to-date information on Covid-19 related regulations, and facilitate the secure flow of necessary information amongst all stakeholders.

ALSO READ: UAE-based Indian national sanctioned for smuggling Iranian oil

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COVID-19 Lite Blogs Travel

Travel during Covid: precautions to take

A window seat could come with an extra jab of protection owing to the less exposure and movement of passengers, and thus avoiding unnecessary contact …writes N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe.

It’s the unlocking period for some of the countries around the world. Almost a year ago, one of the busiest airports in the world- Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi had a deserted look brought about by the coronavirus. A year later, the airport has terminated operations on terminal 2 as a result of the reduced number of flights due to the second wave, which is turning out to be more deadly than the previous one.

The air travel industry has witnessed significant changes since the pandemic, even as two things remain constant – the threat from the virus and the effort to ensure a safer surrounding. While leisure travel has taken a halt, air travel still remains unavoidable for some – many people are returning home amid the second wave-to be with their families during these times or for other personal or family health emergencies

Cases reported on air travel spread have been minimal due to which flights are being considered as a safer travelling option, however, it is always good for travellers to be extra cautious and look out for their own safety and practice precautions while boarding a flight. While it is imperative to mask up, regularly sanitise and avoid unnecessary contact with people and surfaces, there are other things as well to keep in mind while taking a flight.

With the current safety concerns set to stay for the foreseeable future, EaseMyTrip.com shares with Here is a list of precautions that a passenger should keep in mind while travelling by air.

Double Mask up for maximum protection:

With the second wave of coronavirus spreading ferociously, people have realised the importance of doubling up the protection. Is double mask safer than a single mask? Indeed, studies done by Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that double masking can reduce one’s exposure to the virus by up to 95 per cent. The CDC recommends layering a cloth mask over a surgical mask. Avoid combinations such as two surgical masks, or a K95/N95 and any other mask.

Minimal contact clothing:

Such testing times require cautious approach even while choosing your outfit for air travel. It is advisable to cover your body as much as possible, so track suits are a good option. Travellers should also avoid wearing open toed shoes to ensure minimal contact. Wearing goggles can also add a protective layer for your eyes. It is also advisable to wear socks so that your bare feet don’t touch the airport floor during security check.

Reduce, Disinfect your baggage:

The more the merrier? This saying has gone for a toss, at least while travelling during the Covid crisis. Despite safety protocols in place, your bag will pass through several channels and people from check-in to the final destination. It is advisable to check-in fewer bags. In the event that reducing the baggage is unavoidable, it should be thoroughly cleaned using disinfectant wipes after the journey. Apply sanitizing gel to a tissue and make sure to wipe the handles and bottom of the luggage.

Edging towards the window seat:

A window seat could come with an extra jab of protection owing to the less exposure and movement of passengers, and thus avoiding unnecessary contact. A person sitting in the window seat will essentially reduce the number of people within your 6-foot exposure radius by half. An aisle seat should be avoided as travellers tend to visit washrooms, touch surfaces and walk by, increasing one’s exposure to the virus. So make sure that you book your ticket and seat way in advance from a travel portal such as EaseMyTrip.com.

Maintaining distance and hygiene over the course of the journey:

It is difficult to give up on a sip or two of water throughout the course of the journey. With Covid around, it is advisable to carry your own bottle to minimise contact with people, which is a possibility at the point of sale.

While there is very little you can do on the plane to maintain distance, ensure that you keep your distance from people in the terminal. Walk around the terminal while you’re waiting for your flight as the seating area could be a point of infection. It is also advisable to clean and use disinfectant wipes for surfaces such as the tray table or in-flight entertainment systems that you will be using in the flight. Similarly, precautions should be taken while accessing washrooms at airports and on flights, including using elbows to open the doors. It is advisable to stay away from washrooms that are crowded.

While it may not be possible to avoid all points of contact, the current global crisis merits a heightened sense of caution, and it is important for travellers to be aware of their surroundings and take all possible necessary precautions from their end to ensure a safe journey. It is also advisable to look up state wise air travel guidelines and notifications listed on https://www.easemytrip.com/covid19-help.html to ensure that one is up to date with all necessary travel and airline information.

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