MYSURU: Much to the relief of the tourism sector, district minister ST Somashekar on Monday said the administration will not impose a blanket ban on tourists in
Mysuru district but will only impose some restrictions.
In the wake of the Kodagu district administration imposing a blanket ban on tourists and the rise in cases across the state, stakeholders in Mysuru were worried a similar decision would be imposed. On Sunday, fresh cases touched 200 — the first in two months. However, Somashekar, who reviewed the pandemic situation during a meeting with officials including the district deputy commissioner, police commissioner and superintendent of police, said tourist spots in Mysuru will remain open.
Tourism is a big part of Mysuru’s economy — it gets 3.5 million visitors annually — but after Covid hit and the subsequent lockdown, tourism activity had come to a standstill. Stakeholders including hoteliers, travel agents and tour operators say another lockdown would have sounded the death knell for the industry.
CA Jayakumar, president, Travel Agents Association, said they had requested the minister not to take steps that would hit the industry, which is already reeling under heavy losses.
Meanwhile, Somashekar said the government will supply one lakh doses of the vaccine to Mysuru district. “Officials had requested for five lakh doses and the state health minister has promised to supply one lakh doses immediately and the remaining in phases,” Somashekar said.
The minister claimed both Covishield and Covaxin are effective and the inoculation drive is being intensified. “The district administration will continue to conduct Covid tests in crowded places like markets,” he said. “All facilities required to treat patients are available. The government has taken steps to contain the spread of the virus.”