Chief Minister Pema Khandu tweeted: Prevention is always better. To prevent spread of Corona Virus in Arunachal, the protected area permit (PAP) being issued to foreigners has been suspended. This is in view of the reported cases of virus being detected in our country through people coming from abroad.

An order issued by State Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar stated that it is learnt that COVID-19 positive cases have been detected in India and the numbers have been increasing. It is also learnt that the spread of coronavirus in India is primarily from visitors who had history of travelling abroad recently or through tourists who have visited India.

Therefore, it is hereby directed that all Protected Area Permit (PAP) issuing authorities shall henceforth suspend issue of Protected Area Permit (PAP) for visits to Arunachal Pradesh till further orders, the Chief Secretary added.

The PAP is required for non-Indian citizens to visit Arunachal Pradesh. Certain requirements have to be fulfilled in order to get this permit.