New Delhi: One of the most tourist attractions of the country Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh's Agra has been placed on high alert due to an increase in coronavirus cases worldwide, reported news agency ANI. The District Health Information Officer in Agra advised that the mausoleum of white marble has been placed on alert due to its high tourist traffic.


The move comes after coronavirus cases were reported to be high in China, the United States, Brazil, South Korea, and Japan. It has been reported that Covid-19 patients are overcrowding China hospitals.


The District Health Information Officer informed them that domestic and international tourists flock to the world heritage site every day, necessitating a Covid test prior to their visit.


"The health department has already started the tests to prevent the spread of infection. As the alert is on, the tests have now been made mandatory for all the visitors," stated Anil Satsangi, the District Health Information Officer (Agra). Since the alert has been activated, all visitors are now required to take the tests.


Also Read: 'States Asked To Ensure People Wear Masks, Maintain Social Distancing', Says Health Minister In LS Amid Covid Scare: Top Points


Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday said in Lok Sabha that the states have been asked to ensure that people wear masks, maintain social distancing and use sanitisers in the wake of the festive and new year season. “In the wake of festive & new year season, states are advised to make sure people wear masks, use sanitisers and maintain social distancing along with increasing awareness for precautionary doses,” Mandaviya said in Lok Sabha.


According to data updated on December 22 from the Union Health Ministry, India has recorded 185 new coronavirus infections. A day after the country reported 131 infections on Wednesday, this slight increase in cases occurs.


According to the Ministry's data, the number of active cases has decreased from 3,408 to 3,402. The number of Covid cases totaled 4.46 crore, and the number of deaths was 5,30,681, with one fatality from Delhi in the last 24 hours.