22 challaned for defying Covid norms in Shimla hotels

Tribune News Service

Shimla, July 18

Going tough with tourists and hoteliers violating the Covid norms, the Tourism Department conducted a surprise check in 11 hotels and imposed a fine of Rs 11,000 on 22 persons for not adhering to Covid-appropriate behavior.

The surprise check was conducted by District Tourism Officer GD Kalta on the instructions of Shimla Deputy Commissioner Aditya Negi and irregularities were detected in four hotels. Action is being taken under various sections of the Tourism Act.

Surprise checks were also conducted in13 hotels at Fingask area yesterday and action was initiated against eight hotels for not following Covid norms, said Kalta, adding that during inspection of hotels, there was an added focus on adherence to the Covid protocol.

The checks would continue and it would be ensured that the hotels strictly follow the protocols and take precautions, he added. Meanwhile, Shimla SP Mohit Chawla also made a surprise check at the Shoghi barrier.

54 new cases

Shimla: A total of 54 new cases were reported in the state, besides two deaths in the last 24 hours. The number of active cases is 1,007 with 146 persons recovering.

Two persons succumbed to the virus in Chamba and Mandi, taking the fatality figure to 3,491. The highest number of 27 cases was reported in Chamba. —TNS