Namaste
We hope this note finds you all well, healthy and happy. This morning we are counting our blessings as not only was it the first morning since Friday of last week that we haven’t woken up to torrential rain, but as of midnight last night the majority of the Covid-19 lockdown measures have been lifted.
What does this mean I hear you ask? Well in essence not that much will change really from a day to day basis, except we will be able to drive on any day rather than that dictated by our number plates. Like around the globe, the virus has not been eliminated here in Nepal and there are still new cases being reported daily, although thankfully far fewer than before, so caution, the wearing of masks when out in public, keeping distance of others and of course maintaining your hand hygiene practices all still need to be followed. This is still a time for sensible behavior while going about ones business.
The biggest part of this news that affects us at HQ is that as of the 30th July tourism activities, including trekking will be open for business once more and from the 17th August the international and domestic airports will reopen, although according the to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, initially with limited flight destinations and frequencies.
We are of course thrilled to hear this news, although as yet, the government still hasn’t released the necessary protocols for the arrival and care of international travellers. As to whether the international tourism sector will be able to operate safely and effectively during the autumn season, will depend on these protocols. There is so much to think about, such as will guests have to fulfill a mandatory quarantine period upon arrival? Will they need a –ve PCR test? What if any will be the visa process? What happens if someone becomes sick with Covid-19 while in country? What processes need to be put in place to keep guests safe during their stay? What travel insurance will be available that will cover all ones needs, among others. We are told they are currently working on these issues and promise to release them shortly. We just hope they once formalised they are robust, well thought through, guest friendly and realistic, and of course once we know what they are and have been able to dovetail our own best practice and standards into them, we will of course let you all know.
In the meantime we shall continue to keep a positive attitude, look forward to and plan for welcoming you all back to Nepal when you are ready to travel and of course, make full use of the sunny moments between the monsoon downpours.
Love, light, peace and umbrellas
Amrit, Kate & the HQ Team
The sun going down on lockdown
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