3 TEST POSITIVE IN MUSSOORIE HILL STATION.
Mussoorie and Nanital have been in the news due to the heavy rush of tourists amid warnings about the third wave of covid:19. The union health ministry also displayed lift in hill stations at one of its briefings, where it warned tourists against carelessness.
Three people in Uttarakhand’s Mussoorie tested positive for the coronavirus disease, 20 days after the state government relaxed curbs in the State. According to Nodal officer Dr. Pradeep Rana, all three belong to a singe family living in the cantonment Board area and have been quarantined.
The official also said that 17 others recently in contact with covid positive patients have undergone RT-PCR tests. Their results are expected in a day or two.
Mussoorie and Nainital have been in the news due to the heavy rush of tourists in the famous hill stations amid warnings about the third wave of covid 19. Various videos on social media showed long queues of vehicles on roads leading to Mussoorie and Nanital, And many tourists violating social distancing norms while roaming around in these towns.
The union health ministry also displayed photos of the rush in hill stations at one of its briefings, warning tourists against carelessness. Niti Aayog member Dr. VK Paul said this is a severe cause of concern.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern about people rushing to tourist spots during his interaction with the chief ministers of the northeastern states. The government has identified the regions of the situation where the rate of spread of the infection is higher than the national average.
As part of the Uttarakhand government’s efforts to reduce crowding, about 8,000 tourists and vehicles headed to Mussoorie and Nanital were sent back over the weekend.
According to Deputy Inspector General of police Nilesh Anand Bharani, check posts have also been set up at the state border. Tourists have been informed that they must have negative RT-PCR tests, prior hotel bookings, and registration on the online portal.
The Uttarakhand government has, meanwhile, extended the overall curfew in the State till July 20. A cap of 50 people has also been imposed for weddings and funerals.