GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan government on Monday decided to close the schools in the Gilgit division from Thursday (July 1) , and also postponed all the scheduled events after an increase in the coronavirus cases was witnessed during the last one week.

According to a press release issued by the information department, the region recorded an increase in coronavirus cases during the last week with 36 being reported in Gilgit during the last 72 hours.

The release said the government servants would get salary for the month of July after producing coronavirus vaccination certificate.

Besides, local and non-local tourists have been banned from entering the Gilgit city without a coronavirus vaccination certificate.

Coronavirus vaccination has also been made mandatory for hotel owners in Gilgit municipal areas.

Also, the GB tourism department announce postponement of Rama festival, Tour de Khunjerab and Sarfarnga Desert car rally.

Published in Dawn, June 29th, 2021