Tourism takes a hit as Covid-19 numbers go up in Kodagu

The increasing number of Covid-19 cases in the district has created an atmosphere of panic among the people in Kodagu.

In March last year, the Covid-19 cases began to rise in the district and only came under control three months ago. Especially, through February, there were zero cases for a few days. However, the cases have begun to rise all of a sudden, during the last few days.

Nine fresh cases were recorded on March 21 and 16 new cases were confirmed on March 22.

On March 23, there were 25 cases and 16 cases were confirmed on March 24.

Experts have warned of a further rise in the number of cases in the first week of April.

People ignore masks

Despite the warning on the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, people in Madikeri, Kushalnagar, Virajpet, Gonikoppa, Ponnampet, Somwarpet and Shanivarasanthe, are not adhering to the Covid-19 guidelines, especially the wearing of masks.

In Kushalnagar, police imposed a fine on vehicle riders, passengers and pedestrians, for not wearing masks.

Tourist numbers dwindle

Owing to the fear of the second wave of Covid-19, the number of tourists has dwindled considerably, at the tourist spots in the district, from last one week.

There were less number of visitors at Raja Seat, Talacauvery, Nisargadhama, Dubare, Bhagamandala, Mandalpatti and other places of interest in the district.

At the time when the tourism industry was about to recover from the pandemic, the second wave of Covid-19 has cast its shadow on the tourism sector once again, affecting the lives of those who are dependent on tourist activities.

Avail vaccination: Wakf Board chairman

As the second wave of Covid-19 has crept in, people should get vaccinated, as well as take precautionary measures, said District Wakf Advisory Board chairman K A Yakub.

He has stated that the government has asked the people above 60 years of age and those people from 45 to 59 years having co-morbidities, to avail the vaccination.

“Therefore, in order to improve the antibodies, the concerned people should avail the vaccination, without any apprehensions,” said Yakub.

“The vaccines are available at the government health centres. Nobody should pay heed to the rumours. Awareness is being created in the mosques, on the importance of vaccination. The people should follow social distancing and wear masks,” he added.