COVID-19 Guidelines for Guests
Pre-Travel Formalities and Important Guidelines:
1. Domestic tourists visiting Kerala for short trips (less than 7 days) are exempt from quarantine.
2. All domestic tourists must register on the COVID Jagratha portal. [Link: COVID Jagratha Portal] This registration is necessary for tourism-related short trips.
3. If a tourist plans to extend their stay beyond 7 days, they must undergo a paid COVID test on the 7th day at an ICMR/State Government approved laboratory and adhere to health advisories. They should remain in paid quarantine until receiving test results.
4. Avoid traveling if you exhibit any symptoms.
5. Maintain a social distance of 2 meters from others during your stay and carry hand sanitizers while traveling.
6. Wear a face mask at all times.
7. Keep a safe distance from the elderly and individuals with pre-existing conditions. Special precautions should be taken for those over 65, pregnant women, and children under 10, as per MHA guidelines.
8. Practice hand hygiene by washing hands at least every half hour and before and after touching commonly used surfaces.
9. Avoid public places and gatherings beyond your planned activities, and refrain from using public transport.
10. All tourists should pre-book their accommodations in hotels or houseboats.
11. Tourists should have a pre-arranged itinerary for their visit.
12. Online purchases of entry tickets to national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, monuments, etc., are encouraged.
13. Follow the designated time slots provided by any facility or tourist attraction for smooth service and to accommodate other guests.
14. Minimize cash handling and use digital payment methods where possible.
15. Carry out self-monitoring for symptoms during your stay (fever, cough, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of smell/taste, fatigue). If symptoms develop, contact DISHA 1056 and follow health advisories.
16. Anyone showing any symptoms (even mild) must strictly isolate themselves.
17. Domestic tourists staying longer than 7 days must provide a COVID-negative certificate (RTPCR test/Rapid Antigen test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival from an ICMR/State Government approved laboratory) or undergo a Rapid Antigen test/RTPCR on arrival, at their own cost.
18. Domestic tourists arriving without test results or who do not get tested upon arrival will be required to undergo a 7-day quarantine. Testing will be available on the 7th day. If negative, an additional 7-day quarantine will be optional. If not tested, the remaining quarantine period of 7 days is mandatory, aiming for a total of 14 days as per health protocols.
While on the Houseboat:
1. Wear a mask whenever exiting your room.
2. Keep doors closed and avoid contact with doorknobs.
3. Maintain appropriate social distancing at all times.
4. Wash your hands frequently (for at least 20 seconds) using the soaps and sanitizers provided.
5. Discard all disposable plates, cups, and bottles in the garbage bags after use.
6. Guests should not enter containment zones.
7. Store your clothing inside the travel bag or backpack.
Houseboat Restrictions:
All houseboat trips must be pre-booked.
Only 10 guests are allowed per individual houseboat (even those with higher capacity).
For overnight stays, a maximum of 2 adults are permitted per room.
Guests must be adults (ages 12-60).
Elderly individuals are not permitted on houseboat cruises.
Inside the Houseboat:
1. Houseboats in containment zones will remain closed; only those outside containment zones are permitted to operate.
2. Hygiene and sanitation supplies will be readily available, including:
- Thermal thermometers for temperature checks of both staff and guests.
- Hand sanitizers, gloves, and masks available at the reception area.
- Garbage bags with separate biohazard bags for used masks and other PPE, following CPCB guidelines.
- Sufficient disinfectants, typically sodium hypochlorite (1%).
3. Gowns, aprons, and personal protective gear will be available upon request, subject to additional charges.
4. Regular cleaning of all touchpoints in common areas (door handles, countertops, railings, etc.) will occur using sanitizer/disinfectant or a 1% sodium hypochlorite solution, ensuring at least 70% alcohol content for effectiveness.
5. Information and awareness posters will be displayed throughout the facility:
- Emergency helpline numbers at the reception.
- Social distancing reminders (6 feet) at reception and other strategic locations.
- General information at the reception area.
- Handwashing information inside the boat room.
- Dos & Don’ts will be posted in appropriate areas.
6. Adequate isolation facilities will be prepared for any suspected COVID-19 cases among guests or staff.
7. Air-conditioning and ventilation will comply with CPWD guidelines, maintaining temperature settings between 24-30°C and relative humidity between 40-70%.
Houseboat Staff:
1. All staff will wear masks and gloves, which will be changed or disinfected after each guest interaction to prevent cross-contamination.
2. Daily temperature checks will be conducted using a thermal thermometer.
3. All employees must download the Aarogya Setu mobile application.
4. Staff will practice respiratory etiquette by covering their mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing, immediately disposing of used tissues in a lidded bin.
5. Social distancing will be maintained among staff and guests, and staff will avoid physical contact such as hugs or handshakes.
6. Staff movement will be restricted to necessary situations only.
Alleppey Houseboat COVID–19 guidelines encompass wearing face masks, sanitizing and disinfecting all rooms, surfaces, and equipment regularly, maintaining social distancing, observing all health and safety protocols, adhering to limited capacity rules on houseboats, and completing temperature checks for all guests and staff.
Boathouse Kerala, a state-run hospitality platform, offers accommodations for tourists in Kerala. In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Boathouse Kerala has instituted stringent safety measures, including temperature checks upon arrival, thorough sanitization of premises, contactless payment options, and the requirement for guests to wear face masks. Additionally, guests are encouraged to maintain social distancing and adhere to local government guidelines.
