Agra’s majestic monument, Taj Mahal joins a slew of iconic tourist spots across the globe to shut down in a bid to contain the spread of Coronavirus.

Taj Mahal closes amid Coronavirus

India’s Tourism Minister Prahlad Singh Patel announced the temporary closure of monuments and museums in India until 31st March, in the wake of the novel Coronavirus. Several popular attractions come under the suspension, including Charminar, Red Fort, Gateway of Mumbai, Jantar Mantar and Amber Palace.

“All ticketed monuments and all other museums have been directed to be closed until March 31.” Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of Tourism

Tourist visas suspended in India

India’s sudden monument and museum shutdown come days after the nation announced temporarily suspending tourist visas until 15th April. Not to mention US President Donald Trump’s visit to the Taj Mahal too.

What’s more, citizens who’ve returned from China, Italy, Iran, South Korea, France, Spain and Germany after 15th February have been kept under quarantine for two weeks.

125 Coronavirus cases in India

Until yesterday, India recorded a total of 125 confirmed Coronavirus cases, including 17 foreigners. Indian media reports 39 cases were confirmed in Maharashtra, followed by 24 cases in Kerala. Reports of the Coronavirus outbreak emerged in Jammu and Kashmir and Odisha too.

Read: INDIAN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT TESTS POSITIVE FOR CORONAVIRUS

Read: THE UAE ROLLS OUT ITS FIRST VIRTUAL DOCTOR TO HELP DETECT CORONAVIRUS SYMPTOMS

(Featured photograph credit: Peakpx)