Nagaland government on Monday announced a blanket ban on entry of tourists in the State from March 18 to prevent the outbreak of deadly novel coronavirus.

The decision was taken during a high-level meeting in presence of Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio in Kohima on Monday.

In an office memorandum, the state Home department stated that the entry of any foreign or domestic tourist shall remain barred in Nagaland from March 18 until further orders.

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“Issue of new/fresh Inner Line Permits for tourists (domestic/foreigners) and all other categories shall remain suspended with immediate effect until further orders,” the office memorandum stated.

On the other hand, the State Government has also taken a decision to shut down all educational institutions and universities in the State from March 7 to April 12.

Meanwhile, Rio urged the legislators to go to their respective districts and hold a meeting with the district task force and review the preparedness to fight the virus.