Three Northeast states, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim have banned the entry of domestic tourists to contain the rapid spread of coronavirus. The entry of foreign tourists was prohibited in Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram earlier. Till date, India has witnessed 148 confirmed coronavirus cases and 3 deaths. The government has ordered the closure of schools, colleges and gyms across the country till March 31. And people have been advised to refrain from any sort of non-essential travel to keep the virus at bay.
What’s In It?
The government of Nagaland has barred the entry of both domestic and foreign tourists in the state from 18th March. The state government arrived at this decision at a high-level meeting where the Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio was also a part of it. The Chief Minister asked everyone not to panic and to take necessary measures for self-protection. The state government has also decided to close all educational institutions in Nagaland from March 7 to April 12.
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According to the office memorandum fresh or new Inner Line Permits for both domestic, foreign tourists and all other categories will be suspended with immediate effect until further notice. The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu tweeted that the health of their citizens is the top priority. His tweet further revealed that Arunachal Pradesh has temporarily closed its doors to tourists to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the state. This restriction was earlier imposed on the entry of foreign travellers, but now it has extended to domestic travellers as well.
Health of our citizen is top priority.
Arunachal has closed its door to tourists temporarily to prevent the possibility of spread of #COVID-19 in our state. Earlier the state had restricted the entry of foreigners in the state. pic.twitter.com/bfVgcfZuKr
— Pema Khandu (@PemaKhanduBJP) March 16, 2020
What’s More?
When it comes to Sikkim, the Chief Minister, Prem Singh Tamang stated that the entry of tourists including migrant labourers from other states will be banned from March 17. The Chief Minister also urged tourists who are already in Sikkim to leave immediately. He further revealed that three out of five entry points have been sealed to contain the spread of the deadly virus. However, goods vehicles transporting food and other essential items from West Bengal will be allowed to enter through those entry points and that screening will be intensified. Did you know Taj Mahal, Museums And Other ASI Monuments Shut Over Fears Of Coronavirus?