Tourists going to Himachal need mandatory negative COVID report or must be fully vaccinated

The Himachal Pradesh government on late Tuesday night announced that negative COVID-19 report or full vaccination is a must for people intending to visit the hill state from August 13. The state recently witnessed a high influx of tourists amid raising concerns of a third COVID-19 wave.

In its order, Chief Secretary Ram Subhag Singh stated, "All persons intending to visit State shall carry their COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate (double doses) or a negative RT-PCR test report not older than 72 hours or RAT negative report not older than 24 hours w.e.f. 13th August, 2021."

Further, all schools in the state would remain closed except residential ones from August 11 to 22. However, teaching and non-teaching staff members will attend schools. 

Singh said, "The situation of COVID-19 in the state has been reviewed. It is observed that the number of COVID-19 active cases and positivity rate are increasing in the state and the situation is still precarious."

Last month, Himachal Pradesh had witnessed a huge increase in number of tourists arriving to the state after easing of lockdown restrictions. It was found most of the tourists did not follow the COVID-19 protocol during their stay. The Centre had written to the State Government urging to not let their guard down.