Fort Kochi: Eleven foreign tourists staying put here are pretty happy that they are safe even while unsettling new reports are emerging from their home countries in the backdrop of COVID-19 pandemic.
The travellers from eight countries are staying at Cochin Homestay in Pattalam in Ernakulam district. The group of backpackers include German engineer Andris, Marlus from Netherlands, South African Yoshni, French student Teeja (12) and Marine. They kill time by entertaining themselves by singing songs and indulging in other artistic activities.
“I used to tell my relatives and friends back home over phone about the pro-active measures being taken here to contain coronavirus spread. I also inform them that we are safe over here,” said Marlus. Marlus and Marine in one voice expressed their gratitude towards the homestay authorities and Kochiites for their unconditional hospitality.
Initially there were six people at the facility and later police brought five more tourists, said homestay owner M S Shaheer. Most of them were supposed to leave for their home countries this month, but now no one knows when their return journey would happen, he added.
Many travellers in the group are visiting Kerala for the first time and some others came to this south Indian state after travelling to tourist spots in north India. The health department officials visit the facility daily. The workers of ‘Voice of Generation’ are giving a helping hand to the homestay owner.
