HP bans entry of all tourists

IN KINNAUR, MIGRANT LABOURERS, INCLUDING FROM NEPAL, COMING TO THE DISTRICT IN SEARCH OF WORK

WILL BE SCREENED

SHIMLA/DHARAMSHALA: The Himachal Pradesh government on Thursday banned the entry of tourists, both foreign and domestic, in the state in wake of the coronavirus outbreak, till further orders. The ban order was issued by additional chief secretary (health) RD Dhiman.

“Keeping in view the emergence of positive cases in the neighbouring states, including one in Chandigarh, there is a need to restrict the entry of tourists to prevent the import of virus in the state,” the order stated.

“Therefore, in the exercise of the powers conferred by Clause 3 of HP Epidemic Disease (COVID-19) Regulations, 2020 notified under Epidemic Disease Act, 1897, the entry of tourists, both foreign and domestic, is banned in the state,” the order added.

The order came after a highlevel meeting held under the chairmanship of chief minister Jai Ram Thakur on Wednesday. and homestays. Hotels in Lahaulspiti district had shut their operations last week.

MANALI HOTELS TO SHUT FROM MONDAY

All hotels, homestays, guest houses and restaurants in tourist resort of Manali will be closed from Monday. The decision was taken in a meeting of stakeholders convened by the local administration. Other tourism activities like river rafting will also remain closed.

SOBHA SINGH ART GALLERY CLOSED

The Sobha Singh Art Gallery and Museum situated at Andretta village in Kangra will remain closed till March 31. The management has taken this decision in compliance with government advisory issued for the safety of the public, said Hirday Paul Singh, generalsecretary of Sardar Sobha Singh Memorial Art Society.

The gallery attracts domestic and foreign tourists besides a large number of art lovers and general masses from India and abroad round the year.