Shillong: The Meghalaya government has decided to close down all tourist places in the state till March 21, with a possibility that it may be extended to April 15, amid the global coronavirus or COVID-19 threat.
As per a notification issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations, all tourists intending to visit Shillong and other places of Meghalaya have been urged to re-schedule their travel plans accordingly.
Meanwhile, East Khasi Hills SP Claudia Lyngwa has authorised all managers or proprietors of hotels or guest houses in the district to inform the office of any stay or visit of foreign tourists, mainly coming from COVID-19-affected countries.
Lyngwa said that since she is also the Foreigners’ Registration Officer, people have to send the details to her office about the same.
“We are looking at only foreign tourists who entered Meghalaya in the last two weeks, which is the critical period. Although hotels and guest houses, even the public, always send to us information, I have sent a letter to all the managers or proprietors of hotels, guest houses, homestays, bed and breakfast, etc, just as an added precaution,” said Lyngwa.
When asked if the number of foreigners was high, Lyngwa said that people who entered the state in the month of March have left and people who entered Shillong within this critical period are just a few of them.
Lyngwa also informed that Shillong witnesses tourists from all over the countries, like Mexico, UK, France, and other countries.
