The Himachal Pradesh government on Saturday announced closure of all government and private schools, colleges and universities till March 31 as a precautionary measure in view of coronavirus.

Making an announcement in the Vidhan Sabha, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said this was a precautionary measure as concerned parents and students had approached him. “Though not a single positive case has been reported from Himachal, as a precautionary measure we have decided to close all educational institutes, anganwaris and creches till March 31,” Thakur said.

He said a notification had been issued earlier about postponement of all fairs, festivals, religious functions and sporting events. “So far a total of 593 people with travel history from vulnerable countries affected by corona virus have been reported. The samples of seven people who indicated symptoms of flu, however, have tested negative,” he said.

The CM said the health department was fully geared to tackle the situation and there was no need for fear or panic. “We will ensure proper monitoring of our entry points as a lot of Nepalese working in Himachal arrive here by road,” he said.

Addressing concerns raised by Asha Kumari regarding the huge gatherings during the ensuing Chaitra Navratras, he assured that necessary directions would be issued and people would be advised to avoid gathering in large numbers.

The CM said a mechanism would be put in place to ensure that proper screening of tourists was done at the entry points along the borders with the neighbouring states.