Hi there,
Just as everywhere in India, Ladakh too went through its lows and highs of pandemic during year 2020. The year culminated with every village remote or near Leh saturated with Covid cases remaining at a concerning levels as if the pandemic would remain for the rest of our lives? There were several reasons for this:
- The first being the continued arrival of workers from other States of our country especially Bihar, U.P and Nepal from June of 2020 onwards until the end of the working season end of October.
- There has been many fold increase in tourist arrivals in Ladakh to little more then 3 lacs in the year 2017. More in domestic visitors arrival compared to foreign visitors arrival.
- There are many unfinished construction projects in the private sector hotels, resorts and guest houses.
- The workers were arriving by taking flights or travelling by road from both Kashmir valley and Manali in Himachal Pradesh.
- During peak working season from June to September there arrived 1000 individuals or more daily thus increasing Covid cases in both districts of Leh and Kargil of U.T Ladakh.
- The figure came down by less than half to 400 or more individuals daily towards the lean seasons of October onwards in both Districts.
- The Corona infected ratio of the two district remained at 10:01 respectively.
- At some point of time in January 2021 administration recorded the least cases of Covid of 7 cases in both the districts.
- However, at present the number is below 80 cases in both the districts.
- And the Covid recovery rate is about 98%, how long will it last is to be seen?
- As the weather is considerable better this year as compared to last year at this time labour force have already started arriving in Leh. It is hoped that the round the clock commitment of the health department will contain the impact.
- The Good news is that the Covid vaccine has arrived and currently the frontline Covid warriors are being vaccinated (Phase-II) which is a very positive development contrary to last year this time!
- As more sectors are unlocking to its original state in rest of the country, year 2021 is expected to start on a positive note and cautious optimism for Ladakh U.T as a whole.
- So cheer up friends of Ladakh where ever you are. Do visit us in the coming season you will not regret and enjoy the pristine sites and warmth of Ladakhi hospitality, Jule!