Bhutan bans tourists after first case of coronavirus
Following the discovery of its first coronavirus patient, Bhutan will close its borders to international tourists for two weeks.
A 79-year-old American tourist was diagnosed positive after arriving from India by air on March 2.
He was admitted to hospital after falling ill where he subsequently tested positive.
He is now in isolation at a hospital in the capital Thimpu.
The country, which is heavily reliant on high-end tourism, is taking no chances.
"The government will impose two weeks restriction on all incoming tourists with immediate effect. This is to enable rigorous monitoring, source assessment of infection and mitigate the situation," the kingdom’s health ministry said.
Officials at the ministry said they have tracked and traced dozens of people the tourist had interacted with during his stay in Bhutan.
Eight Indian nationals who were on the same flight have been placed under quarantine.
The government has closed some schools and suspended all international conferences and MICE events for two weeks.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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