Tourism, along with a lot many sectors has halted with the onset of the deadly coronavirus pandemic.
In order to contain the spread of the virus, the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) shut down an estimate of over 3400 monuments on March 17.
Now, all monuments including Taj Mahal and Red Fort have been decided upon to be reopened from July 6, however with a series of precautionary measures.
Monuments to Reopen
The Government of India has decided to reopen the country in a graded manner, called the Unlock series, after the nationwide lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
In each phase of these series, new rules have been very cautiously implied (rather opened), to bring a highly precautionary revival stage of everyday life.
Amidst this, under “Unlock1”, the ASI decided to reopen about 820 religious places.
According to government, rest of the monuments can reopen but it is upon the states’ discretion to keep them closed based on the pandemic situation.
Destination to Reopen
The Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Pralhad Singh Patel has announced that all monuments, including Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Sanchi, Purana Quila and Khajuraho, shall be opened by July 6, with precautions.
For instance, religious destinations like Tirumala Tirupati Balaji in Andhra Pradesh was opened last month, with compulsion of wearing PPE suits for temple staff.
Goa Reopens with All the Compulsions
With monuments reopening from July 6, Manohar Ajgaonkar, Goa Tourism Minister announced on 1st July to reopen Goa for tourists from July 2.
In the process, only those hotels and homestays are allowed to open, which have registered themselves with the state tourism department.
Such hotels shall not even be allowed to entertain guests or offer online bookings.
The tourism department of Goa state has so far granted permission to 250 hotels, which must compulsorily maintain the standard operating procedures (SOPs), as released by the government.
- Tourists will only be entertained in the state with pre-booking stays at hotels,
- Tourists will have to either carry COVID-19 negative certificates with them, while entering the state, or
- Get tested at the border and undergo quarantine at a state-run facility till their results arrive.
- If anyone is tested positive, they will be given the option of either returning to their respective states or staying back in Goa for treatment.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.