All zoological gardens, including the Alipore Zoo reopened for tourists from October 2. Being Gandhi Jayanti, a holiday, the zoos had drawn people, but there is fear among people around COVID-19, and it will take time for people to feel confident, said officials. As people will notice the stringent measures being followed to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols, more people will visit the zoos confidently, they said.
The forest areas across the state have already opened for tourists from September 23. These have all remained closed for months due to the COVID-19 lockdown and restrictions thereafter. Forests usually close down for two months every monsoon – from July 15 to September 15, but this year, forest areas have remained closed for far longer than that in order to contain the pandemic. Ahead of Durga Puja, this is good news for tourists as well as for those who run establishments around the forest areas. Prolonged closure of hotels in tourist destinations has led to huge losses for businesses.
The government has prepared a set of guidelines for travellers, that includes social distancing and wearing of masks as compulsory. The number of people entering zoo premises are being constantly monitored and controlled.
Tickets to the zoo are currently being issued online. Children below 10 years are not allowed.
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