New Delhi: Considering the recently announced easing of restrictions for inter-state travel, several experts have expressed concern over a possible third wave of COVID-19. While some states have denied the requirement to carry a negative RT-PCR test result, other states are allowing only vaccinated travelers or those with valid COVID e-passes. This easing of travel restrictions has triggered mass movement.
In addition, many parts of India will have holidays for festivals like Rakhi, Janmashtami, Muharram, Independence Day, Onam, Ganesh Chaturthi in the next two months (August, September), which will further fuel the inter-state growth. Travel.
Although daily cases in India have declined significantly in the range of 400,000 to 40,000 for almost two months, increased travel in the next two months is expected to pose a risk of a possible third COVID wave.
LocalCircles conducted a survey to estimate the risk in light of a possible third COVID wave and understand people’s travel plans for the coming months.
28% of Indians planning to travel in August-September
According to an analysis of responses received from over 18,000 citizens living in 311 districts of India, it was found that 63 per cent citizens do not have plans to travel during August-September. 28 percent of citizens plan to travel during these two months, though only 5 percent have made their bookings, and the remaining 9 percent are undecided.
When asked what kind of personal travel they plan to undertake in the next 2 months, 13 percent of citizens said holiday destination, 39 percent of citizens said to visit family and friends and 22 percent said to take other travel .
Overall, the survey conducted through LocalCircle indicates that 28 per cent of citizens are planning to travel in August-September. Of these, 54 percent plan to visit family and friends, 26 percent will travel to vacation destinations, and 32 percent will take other forms of travel.
Keeping in mind the findings of the survey, the government should continue to create awareness among people about limiting non-essential travel till the risk of third COVID wave is greatly reduced.
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