COVID-19: All Tourist Spots Closed Down by Meghalaya Govt till March 31

Shillong, March 18, 2020:

The Government of Meghalaya, as a precautionary measure from the outbreak of novel coronavirus or COVID-19, has ordered the closure of all the tourist spots in the State, including parks and recreational areas till March 31, 2020.

“…all tourist spots in the State of Meghalaya including parks and recreational areas are hereby advised to close till March 31st, 2020,” stated the notification issued by the Governor.

Earlier on Tuesday, taking cognizance of the threat posed by the international pandemic coronavirus, the Meghalaya Government had urged all the tourists coming in from the affected countries or Indian states to self-report through the helpline number 108. The tourists have also been urged to self-quarantine for 14 days.

A notification issued by the Meghalaya State Government reads, “In view of reported cases of corona virus disease in other parts of the country and abroad, all domestic and foreign travellers coming from affected countries and affected states in India are to mandatorily report to the office of the Deputy Commissioner through 108 toll free helpline.” In the communique, undersigned by the Secretary to Health & Family Welfare Department, travellers have also been advised to maintain distance. “All such travellers are also advised to maintain social distancing and self-quarantine at home for 14 days and call 108 for any assistance from Health Department and other State Agencies.”

ALSO READ: Coronavirus: Passenger with Symptoms Detected at LGBI Aiport Rushed to GMCH for Tests, Reports Awaited

This notification, that was issued on March 16, came on a day when the Government of Nagaland imposed a blanket ban on all tourists — both domestic and foreign — from March 18 onwards. Moreover, the Himalayan state of Sikkim has also imposed a similar ban.

In a latest notification issued by Abhijit Sinha, Principal Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, it has been informed that the issuance of new/fresh Inner Line Permit (ILP) for both domestic and foreign tourists and all other categories shall remain suspended with immediate effect until further orders. Moreover, the Government of Nagaland has decided to close down all educational institutions in the State from March 17 to April 12.

Meanwhile, an Inside Northeast source has confirmed that the Sikkim Government has issued directives for the closure of discotheques, cinema halls, casinos, gyms, fairs, tambolas, schools, and colleges closed till April 15. However, the CBSE exams will go on as per schedule, we have been informed.

ALSO READ: Coronavirus: Mizoram Govt Closes all Educational Institutions & Select Public Spaces

Another Northeast Indian state, Tripura, also announced the closure of educational institutes, cinema halls, gyms, swimming pools, et al.

A notice issued by the Tripura Government’s Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar states that in addition to schools, cinema halls, gymnasiums, and swimming pools will also be shut down.

Meanwhile, the Health Minister of Meghalaya has also instructed the Government to close down educational institutes, cinemas, gyms, and swimming pools keeping in view the threat posed by the COVID-19 strand.

Further, it has been informed, “The Bureau of Immigration (BOI) vide letter No. 1/Comm/BoI/2020-81 dated, 11.03.2020 had advised all nationals to avoid all unessential travels abroad. Accordingly, awareness must be spread regarding minimizing, if not totally avoiding, social functions and organizing fair & festival etc”.

ALSO READ: COVID-19 Cases in India Soar to 147, Maharashtra Tops the List with 42 Tested Positive

India’s novel coronavirus or COVID-19 cases have soared to 147 on Wednesday, out of which 122 are Indians and 25 are foreign nationals or tourists. According to a Union Health Ministry data, Maharashtra has topped with 42 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

198,728 people have been infected with the novel coronavirus globally, out of which, 107,960 are currently active or currently infected cases and 6,415 are in critical condition. 7,989 people have died so far according to https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

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