Unlock 4.0: Himachal Pradesh opens up its religious places; no inter-state buses yet

Himachal Pradesh has thrown open places of religious importance in the state in the fourth phase of nationwide unlock process. All religious activities and places of such importance in the state have been shut since March as COVID-19 hit India. The same was done to prevent the spread of the virus, which has already taken the country in its spate. While the religious places are open to the public, visitors to the state still need to adhere to all safety norms and register themselves online before visiting.

Reportedly, the current lockdown conditions will stand imposed on the containment zones in the state. Any movement of inter-state transport buses is still barred, keeping in mind the still climbing numbers of Coronavirus positive cases in the country. Those keen to visit the state need to stick to all the rules of contact tracing and those arriving from high-risk zones will have to undergo institutional quarantine.
It has to be noted that tourism industry is the major revenue source for the state, with Manali, Kasaul, Shimla, Kasauli, Darjeeling, Kinnaur, Mcleodganj and more destinations in its fold. The industry has been severely hit, with reports of newly-opened hotels and restaurants shutting down from some parts of the state.

As of now, the hotel industry in Kullu-Manali is slated to open from October 1; hoteliers and homestay owners are keen to offer accommodation to travellers looking for safe, long-term options rather than quick getaways to monitor safety of all.