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As Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand open doors for tourism amid COVID-19, here's everything you need to know before planning a trip to these hill stations.

After the lockdown in the country for almost 4 months, India is slowly reopening its business sector and recently Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments have announced the entry of outsiders and tourists into their states.

However, certain guidelines are issued by these states for the tourists to follow. So, we have complied all the rules issued by the government and also some other safety tips for those who are planning a trip to these hill stations amid COVID-19.

As per the Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh governments, all the tourists visiting the places must be tested negative by an ICMR accredited laboratory not earlier than 72 hours before the date of traveling.

The centre has advised states and Union Territories to deploy skilled medical practitioners to prescribe coronavirus test to individuals fulfilling the criteria of testing as per ICMR guidelines.

Anyone visiting both these states or even one must reside in the state for a minimum of 5 days.

Moreover, only those tourists with hotel bookings for 5 days will be allowed to enter into the state.

In case a tourist has a private residence to stay, they need to show relevant documents and address proof at the point of entry.

All the interstate travelers must register for e-passes on Himachal and Uttarakhand portals.

Those visitors who are coming by road must also register their vehicles.

Though visitors will not be stopped on highways, they need to make sure that they stop by at authorised kiosks for amenities and refreshments.

However, visitors coming to Uttarakhand will not be allowed to attend the Char dham yatra. Only the residents of Uttarakhand are allowed to attend.

For visitors coming from other Indian states to Himachal and Uttarakhand, they must undergo home quarantine for 7 days upon return.

If any visitor or tourist shows COVID-19 symptoms upon arrivals, she or he would be kept under institutional quarantine.

Tourists must have to wear face cover or face masks all the time.

Physical distancing or social distancing of up to 6 feet must be maintained wherever feasible.

Spitting is strictly prohibited and tourists will be punished with fine.

Tourists are requested not to enter any shop, restaurant or any other crowded place to eliminate the risk of contracting the virus.

Visitors must opt for room service dining instead of dining at the restaurant in their accomodation.

The staff for home deliveries shall be screened strictly before allowing them inside the check ins.

In restaurants at these hill stations, not more than 50% of the seating capacity will be allowed.

It is advised to use disposable menus by the visitors.

Instead of cloth napkins, use of disposable napkins is encouraged.

However, according to the Ministry of health and family welfare, no person is advised to step out of their home unless it is an emergency. So, plan carefully if you really want to plan a holiday to any place.

Meanwhile, the number of people infected with coronavirus is lesser in Himachal Pradesh when compared to states like Delhi, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and others.

As on first week of August, a total of 2973 cases of COVID-19 has been recorded in Uttarakhand and 1,140 cases have been registered till now in Himachal Pradesh.

By Gayatri Yellayi