No quarantine for visitors in Himachal: Jai Ram Thakur

Tribune News Service

Shimla, September 16

There will be no quarantine for those visiting Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur told the Vidhan Sabha today, stressing that the move was aimed at reviving the economy and creating jobs.

While the industry is elated over the decision, the general public apprehends that opening the borders at this juncture could lead to a further spurt in the Covid-19 cases. To allay such fears, the CM announced that makeshift hospitals would be set up at five places — Shimla, Tanda, Nalagarh, Una and Nahan — for treating severe and moderate cases. There would be fewer quarantine centres, primarily in industrial belts, to cater to migrant labourers.

While a majority of businessmen welcomed the move, some pointed out at the “lack of preparedness” by the government. Rakesh Bansal, senior vice-president, Parwanoo Industries Association, said: “There is no point curtailing economic activity. Livelihood is important.”

However, a sceptical Sanjay Sood, president of the Shimla Hotels Association, was not sure if the decision would help revive tourism. “The tourism industry is ailing. We must be given soft loans,” demanded Mohinder Seth, president, Tourism Industry Stakeholders Association.