Advisory issued for devotees in view of Corona and weather for Chardham Yatra 2023

Chardham Yatra 2023 season in Uttarakhand is going to start from 22nd April. At the same time, the Meteorological Department has issued an alert for bad weather in the hilly areas. In view of this, the government has issued an advisory for the devotees coming on the yatra. On Wednesday, Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar, Secretary, Health Department, issued a health advisory.

He said that all the pilgrimage sites in the Chardham Yatra are located in the high Himalayan region, whose height is more than 2700 meters above sea level. Travelers in those places can be affected by extreme cold, low humidity, low air pressure and low oxygen levels. That’s why it is recommended to follow the advisory.

Covid rules will have to be followed during the journey

Corona infection is increasing in many states of the country. Char Dham Yatra is starting in the state from 22 April. In which a large number of devotees from other states will come for the yatra. To prevent corona infection, the pilgrims coming on the yatra will have to follow the behavior according to Covid prevention protocols. Which includes wearing masks, sanitisers, tests on Covid symptoms.

Do this preparation before the trip

✓ Plan your trip for at least seven days. Give yourself time to acclimatize to the environment.
✓ Practice breathing exercises for 5-10 minutes daily
walk for 20-30 minutes daily
✓ If the traveler is 55 years of age or has a history of heart disease, asthma, high blood pressure, or diabetes, get a health check-up done to ensure fitness for travel.

Keep these things with you

✓ Warm clothing such as woolen sweaters, thermals, mufflers, jackets, gloves, socks.
✓ Rain protection equipment – raincoat, umbrella.
✓ Health Checkup Equipment- Pulse Oximeter, Thermometer.

For travelers with heart disease, hypertension, asthma, diabetes

✓ All necessary medicines, test equipment and contact of your home doctor
✓ Check weather reports before traveling and if your doctor advises against traveling, please do not travel.

Keep these things in mind while traveling

Healthy Vigilant Successful Travel: For your convenience refer to the communication placed by the Health Department along the travel route and follow all the guidelines carefully.
Refer Map: Medical Relief Center, Primary Health Center, Community Health Center, District Hospital
Look for clear name boards on buildings to identify the Uttarakhand medical unit.
If you or any of your family members have chest pain, shortness of breath (difficulty talking), persistent cough, dizziness/disorientation (difficulty walking), vomiting, icy/cold skin, weakness on one side of the body/ If you feel any of the symptoms like numbness, please reach the nearest medical unit immediately.

These travelers should take special care

• Travelers over the age of 55, pregnant women, travelers with a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, and diabetes who are obese (> 30 BMI)
• In case of any health related emergency please contact us on helpline number 104.
• Do not consume alcohol, caffeinated drinks, sleeping pills and strong/powerful pain relievers during travel, also avoid smoking.
• Drink at least two liters of fluid during the journey and eat a nutritious diet.