Himachal makes RT-PCR test mandatory for visitors from 7 states

Tribune News Service

Shimla, April 11

The government has made the RT-PCR test mandatory for tourists from seven high-load states of Punjab, Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh from April 16.

The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur here today. The visitors from these states will be permitted to Himachal only if they have a 72-hour prior RT-PCR negative test report. In view of the sharp rise in Covid cases, the government had extended the closure of all educational institutions till April 21 for students as well as teaching and non-teaching staff two days back.

The CM said all SOPs and guidelines issued by the Centre and state government to check the spread of coronavirus must be enforced strictly. Himachal recorded the highest-ever figure of 941 cases in a single day, during the second wave, besides 12 deaths, yesterday, forcing the government to take the steps.

As of now, the government had decided to allow tourists to visit the state, but, at the same time, hotel owners and tourists should strictly adhere to the SOPs. While laying stress on the strategy for testing, tracing and treatment with effective surveillance of micro-containment zones, he said greater emphasis must also be laid on doing RT-PCR tests. “The Health Department must take steps to increase the bed capacity to meet any eventuality,” he said.

570 fresh cases reported

Shimla: The Covid situation continued to remain grim with 570 cases being reported on Sunday, though there was no death in the last 24 hours. The number of active cases shot up to 5,369, with positive cases being 69,686. The highest number of 128 cases were reported in Kangra, 105 in Solan, 92 in Shimla, 59 in Mandi, 53 in Una, 46 in Sirmaur, 26 in Hamirpur, 21 each in Bilaspur and Chamba, 10 in Kullu, seven in Lahaul-Spiti and two in Kinnaur

NGO donates Rs 51K for Covid fund

Hamirpur: Youth Empowerment and Social Service (YESS), an NGO, has donated Rs 51,000 for the PM Covid Care Fund to mark the birthday of Prem Kumar Dhumal. Narender Attri, president, YESS, handed over the cheque to the former Chief Minister at his home at Sameerpur. Attri said over 400 people contributed the money for the PM Care Fund and the cheque was given to the former CM for forwarding it to the Prime Minister