We all have had to put holidays on hold due to the pandemic. But some countries are opening their borders again as tourism is a money-spinner. However, there is a catch. You have to get a certificate to prove that you have tested negative for Covid and this testing must be done just before you travel.
At one hospital in Hyderabad, people were rushing to get medical certificates stating that they are coronavirus-free. But they have been turned away as protocol does not allow testing for purposes of travel! Under Central government guidelines, only those who have a travel history to Covid-19-affected countries and show symptoms are to be isolated and tested. An official at the hospital said that their staff are already stretched thin and testing those who want to travel will strain resources and cause delay for those who need immediate attention.
Old medical records of Hyderabad and British India reveal that the issuance of special permits called ‘passports’ during outbreaks of epidemics like the plague was an established practice.
In 1911-12, when Hyderabad was hit by a plague epidemic, it introduced what was known as plague passports. Hyderabad was the first princely state in British India to introduce the concept by instituting strict medical checks at borders to restrict the movement of outsiders. These plague passports were issued in triplicate. One copy was kept as a record by the issuing authority, a second was sent to the destination authorities and the third was handed to the traveller.
Special plague camps were set up and all border railway stations and road checkpoints were manned by health and police officials. French traveller and author Robert Chauvelot recounts in his book ‘Mysterious India’ (published in 1921) how he was questioned several times on his arrival at Secunderabad railway station and how he was made to undergo a second test.
Proposed Covid-19 passports
A few countries such as Bahrain, Sweden, Iceland, Denmark, Singapore and Thailand have proposed Covid-19 passports to allow foreigners hassle-free entry. Those holding these passports would not be quarantined or isolated on arrival.
However, I am sure their requirements for this passport would be extremely stringent and countries like India would have to meet and satisfy a lot of conditions because it is a known fact that people can buy certificates here. I know people who have driving licences without having undergone any test and yet they are on the road.
Turkey’s Culture and Tourism Minister recently announced a new initiative to launch a certification system for Coronavirus-free tourist sites to revive the industry. A few countries such as the Maldives are experiencing a travel boom with a slew of Bollywood actors flying in. They are reportedly being lured by free vacations on condition that they post pictures of their experiences. And these are people who can well afford to pay for their holidays.
In India, as cases declined, many began making plans to travel within the country. But a recent surge in some states put paid to their plans. I know of one family who was thinking of driving down to Goa which entails crossing the state of Karnataka. But this state has imposed restrictions again and so the holiday has since been cancelled.
The unpredictability of this pandemic has made a mockery of any kind of planning, either by individuals or state governments.
A friend living in the UK tells me that you can meet just one person at your home even if it is outside in the garden. She goes for socially distanced walks with a friend. It must be difficult to converse if the other person is at a distance. In this case, distance does not lend enchantment.
For me the saddest fallout has been parents and grandparents being unable to enjoy the company of their loved ones or missing out on the arrival of a first grandchild.
Vanaja Rao is a freelance writer based in Hyderabad, India
