The Nilgiris: Nilgiris District Collector Innocent Divya, calls for a shut down of tourist places and places that gather large crowds of people.
The Nilgiris: Nilgiris District Collector Innocent Divya, calls for a shut down of tourist places and places that gather large crowds of people.
Following the rapid spread of Coronavirus and the two positive cases at Wayanad in Kerala, along the borders of Nilgiris, the District Collector has called for a shutdown.
Announcing the shutdown, she said, "Two people in Wayanad, Kerala, along the borders of Nilgiris, have been tested positive for the virus. The District Administration has therefore requested tourists to refrain from visiting the Nilgiris, during these times, when the spread of Coronavirus is rising."
"As a result of this the Ooty Botanical Garden, Coonoor Sims park, Boat house and other tourist attractions will be closed down until Mar 31. Other attractions at Ooty, Coonoor, Kothagiri and Gudalur, will also remain closed", she informed.
She also issued a deadline until tomorrow morning (Mar 18), for all the tourists, to vacate the district. This includes all the foreign and other state tourists, staying at hotels. She further informed that eight people have been isolated in Nilgiris, with Coronavirus symptoms.
Issuing an advice to the people of the district, she said, "The public should keep in mind, not to travel unnecessarily, due to the current situation. They may travel, only if it is unavoidable. Large gatherings at places of worship should be avoided and any functions, should be celebrated with a maximum number of 100 invitees."
Noting that the security checks at the borders of the district had been intensified, she warned people against spreading rumours and untruths through Whatsapp. "Severe action will be taken against such rumourmongers", she warned.
For any doubts or queries regarding the disease, people can contact 1077, a toll free helpline number. This has been arranged by the District Administration, for people to clarify their doubts, regarding the disease.
"More than 40 teams have been formed to conduct surveillance in the Municipalities and Panchayat areas, covering all villages. The tourist attractions will remain closed until Mar 31", she concluded.