Long queues of cars and SUVs were seen on Sunday near Parwanoo in Solan district, the entry point to Himachal Pradesh.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Himachal borders have been opened for tourists but an e-pass is required
- Around 5,000 vehicles entered Shimla in the last 36 hours
- The Shimla police asked tourists to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour
As soon as Himachal Pradesh announced that COVID-19 RT-PCR negative tests are no longer required to enter the state, hundreds of cars were seen on the road leading to the state, causing massive congestion and bringing traffic to a standstill in the hills.
Long queues of cars and SUVs were seen on Sunday near Parwanoo in Solan district, the entry point to Himachal Pradesh.
While borders have been opened for tourists from other states, a Covid e-pass is still required to get an entry.
As Himachal Pradesh has now allowed entry without RT-PCR test report, this is hw the decision was welcomed…. pic.twitter.com/JVotyxSIlF
— Mohammad Ghazali (@ghazalimohammad) June 13, 2021
In the last 36 hours, around 5,000 vehicles entered the capital city Shimla through the Shoghi barrier. The city continues to see a jump in tourist arrivals.
The Shimla police asked tourists to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour, wear masks and social-distancing rules. They said strict action will be taken if the Covid guidelines are not followed.
Amid a fall in coronavirus cases in the state and across the country, the Himachal government on Friday announced relaxations in curfew, including allowing tourists to visit without a negative Covid test. However, the curfew from 5 pm to 5 am remains in place with certain restrictions.
Himachal Pradesh recorded 370 new Covid cases and 17 deaths on Sunday, taking the overall caseload to 1,98,313 and death count to 3,368. According to the health department, the state now has 5,402 active cases.
On Friday, the Covid curfew in Himachal Pradesh was extended with several more relaxations, like buses within the state have been allowed to run with 50 per cent occupancy and shops can remain open from 9 am to 5 pm from June 14. Intrastate public transport will be allowed with 50 per cent occupancy.
