Puri (Odisha): In the wake of coronavirus outbreak across the globe including India, the district administration in Odisha's Puri has announced the imposition of restrictions at the international tourist spot today.
According to sources, Puri district administration on Saturday imposed restriction on the movement of tourists. Tourists have been banned from travelling from Puri to nearby Satpada, Chandrabhaga, Chilika and Konark. Tour bus operations on these routes have been restricted.
Puri Collector Balwant Singh has asked people intending to visit Puri to drop their plans. He has also appealed the residents of Puri to not panic but take precautions, avoid social gatherings and if possible stay indoors, sources said.
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"The ban has been imposed from Sunday 15th March to 31st March 2020. The decision was taken in an emergency meeting with travel agencies and tour operators at the district tourism office on Saturday evening. Any group of tourists will not be allowed to visit places of tourist attractions. The advisory has been issued especially for hotels, travel agencies and tour operators. Police and the tourism department have been instructed to immediately report if any suspicious case comes across," said Bijay Kumar Jena, Assistant Director, Puri Tourism.
Jena has also requested people from outside the district not visit Puri if necessary and if they are suffering from cold, cough or fever.
Meanwhile, all tourist buses in the district have been taken off-road. Jena urged all to cooperate and also asked Puri residents to inform the administration about any coronavirus suspect who has visited the district recently, sources added.
