Covid-19: Hotels, resorts in Kodagu take precaution, ready for New Year guests

MADIKERI: Even as Kodagu district authorities are on alert owing to rise in Covid cases in the neighbouring state of Kerala, the tourist hub is ready to welcome tourists for the New Year celebrations.

Although no Covid JN.1 variant has been identified in Kodagu so far, the district health department is alert with all the precautionary measures in place. Even Kodagu police department has cautioned against violation of rules in the homestays, resorts and lodges.

BR Nagendra Prasad, president of Kodagu District Hotel, Resort, Restaurant Association, said that tourists need not worry to visit Kodagu district. All tourist spots in Kodagu are safe and open for tourists, he said.

"No Covid case has been reported in Kodagu district so far. All the hotels, resorts and restaurants are taking precautionary measures as per the guidelines of the district administration and health department," he stated. Kodagu is ready for Christmas and New Year celebrations, he added.

Public can inform police about illegal activities

During the New Year celebrations, the Kodagu police have restricted the use of loudspeakers at home stays, resorts and lodges under the guise of parties in the district. The police in a release said in order to celebrate the New Year tourists may arrive in large numbers from the district, other districts and states.

However, if anybody is found to be selling and using prohibited drugs under the pretext of a rave party, the public can inform the district police office on the following telephone number 08272-228300 or mobile number 9480804900.

Owners of homestays, resorts, lodges should not use a decibel sound system or loudspeakers higher than the decibel level set by Noise Pollution Regulation Rules-2000 in the areas demarcated by the Noise Pollution Regulation and Control Board.

The department has warned that if violation is proved the department will act to cancel the licences of such establishments.

Meanwhile, Kodagu district health and family welfare officer Dr Satish said that necessary measures have been taken to prevent Covid. Those with symptoms and senior citizens should take extra precaution, he said. "It is better to wear a mask. Those with symptoms will be tested. All kinds of arrangements have been made by the health department," he assured.

Dr Nanjundaiah, chief surgeon, district hospital at Madikeri, said that apart from 50 ventilator beds, 20 beds are reserved exclusively for Covid patients. All arrangements have been made at the district hospital, he said.