Coastal Union Territory of India Puducherry has decided to reopen for tourists with 50% capacity at sightseeing spots. As COVID-19 cases have started dipping, the UT has opened its tourist spots from July 16. According to a Times of India report, Public Works Minister, K Lakshminarayanan said in a statement, “We decided to reopen tourist spots with 50 per cent capacity with strict instruction to comply with Covid-19 appropriate behaviour.” Tourist spots like Chunnambar Boathouse and the botanical gardens have already resumed operations. Puducherry has also allowed the reopening of bars and restaurants that are housed within hotels, guest houses, and lodges.
Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris Makes E-Pass Mandatory For Travellers From Kerala & Karnataka
Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu’s iconic hill station banned tourists amid the Covid second wave. But now the hill station has made e-pass mandatory for tourists and the general public arriving from Karnataka and Kerala. But the decision to reopen famous tourist spots in the Nilgiri district will only be taken after directions from the state government. Temples in Tamil Nadu reopened on June 28, along with strict COVID-19 protocols. Temples in Chennai, Thiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Kancheepuram have started sanitising the shrine premises, following the announcement. The temples are putting up barricades to keep a check on large gatherings of visitors.
Tamil Nadu Government Had Shut Down Nilgiris For Tourists Till April 30
On April 8, Tamil Nadu had released a new set of Covid-19 guidelines to tackle the pandemic situation in the state. The guidelines were effective from April 10. Chief Secretary Rajeev Ranjan issued the order and stated that despite containment activities there had been a surge in the number of positive cases across Tamil Nadu due to violation of Covid guidelines. Tamil Nadu High Court also warned that the Covid-19 situation had taken a deadly turn. In fact many people were seen walking around without wearing masks. Moreover, the state had shut down the iconic hill station Nilgiris for tourism purposes. Tourist destinations in Nilgiris like Ooty Lake, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and Sim’s Park at Coonoor were closed till April 30.
Tamil Nadu Malls, Restaurants & Theatres To Operate At 50 Percent Capacity
According to the new Covid guidelines in Tamil Nadu, malls, cinemas and restaurants shall function at 50% capacity. Shops inside malls can allow allow 50 percent of passengers inside at a time. In auto rickshaws and taxis, only two and three people will be permitted respectively. All outlets can only operate till 11 pm and post that takeaway services will be open. Retail outlets located in big vegetable markets will not be permitted to operate. Inter and intrastate travel buses can only allow passengers as per the seating capacity of vehicles. Earlier, Coimbatore, also mandated, e-passes for travellers entering from Kerala and other cities in Tamil Nadu. Moreover, e-registration will also be put into place to monitor people entering the state from India and abroad.
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Weddings To Have Only 100 People & Funerals, 50 People
When it comes to places of worship, all devotees must strictly adhere to the Covid-19 protocols at all times. Only 100 people are permitted to attend a wedding. For a funeral, the guest list can’t exceed 50. According to Live Mint, the release further informed that all people above the age group of 45 years must get vaccinated within two weeks in either private or government facilities. Moreover, the official release reads, “Firms, factories, commercial complexes and hotels must ensure thermal screening, use of hand sanitisers and masks and expos would be allowed only for Business to Business process. People who do not wear masks should not be allowed entry in premises including hotels and commerical complexes.” Meanwhile, if you wish to travel, here are 8 states that imposed night curfew, so plan your travel accordingly.