No Entry To Hills Without Negative RT-PCR Report Or Full COVID Vaccination

Scenes of stranded vehicles in long serpentine queues headed for Shimla and other tourist spots went viral a few weeks ago after COVID-19 restrictions were relaxed.

The state government had taken off the RT-PCR negative report condition and decided to monitor entry to Himachal through COVID e-pass registration.

It didn’t work too well, and with coronavirus cases and positivity rate increasing, the state has decided to re-impose stricter conditions.

From August 13, anyone wishing to travel to Himachal Pradesh will have to carry a negative COVID-19 report or be fully vaccinated.

“All persons intending to visit state shall carry their Covid-19 Vaccine Certificate (double doses) or a negative RT-PCR test report not older than 72 hours or RAT negative report not older than 24 hours with effect from August 13,” the state’s Chief Secretary Ram Subhag Singh stated.

“The Covid-19 situation in the state has been reviewed. It is observed that the number of Covid-19 active cases and positivity rate are increasing and the situation is still precarious,” the order further said.