The Jalpaiguri district administration has started conducting rapid antigen tests on tourists at different transit points.

The tests, however, would be carried out only on those who didn’t receive the second dose of their Covid-19 vaccine or are not carrying RT-PCR negative test report issued within 48 hours before their travel.

For the past few days, those associated with the tourism industry in the district have been urging the administration to introduce rapid antigen tests for the convenience of tourists as well as those who serve in the industry.

Accordingly, Moumita Godara Basu, the district magistrate, issued a notification on Thursday, mentioning that the administration will create facilities for such rapid tests at entry points like New Mal station, the local bus stand

in Malbazar, couple of locations in Matialli block (the entry point to Gorumara National Park and Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary), at some locations in Maynaguri, in New Jalpaiguri and Jalpaiguri Road stations and also at the local bus stand in Jalpaiguri town.

On Friday, samples of 16 tourists, who reached the

New Mal station in different trains, were checked. The health workers present at the station issued negative certificates to them after which, they headed for the accommodations where they will stay during their trip.

Rajen Pradhan, who is associated with tourism in Malbazar, said it is an effective initiative that will help the tourism industry.

He pointed that on one hand, it would prevent unrestrained entry of tourists and simultaneously, it will not discourage tourists who are not fully vaccinated or do not have a RT-PCR negative report, from travelling to north Bengal.

“If anybody is tested positive in the rapid test, he will be quarantined,” he said.

“On the other hand, such screening of tourists will largely also ensure that all those associated with the sector, right from the staff at hotels and resorts, drivers, guides and others, do not get infected from a tourist.”