January 30, 2023 16:36 (IST)

Chinese authorities close Potala Palace amid COVID-19 outbreak in Tibet
Lhasa: Chinese authorities have shut down the iconic Potala Palace in Tibet after a minor outbreak of COVID-19 was reported in the Himalayan region, media reports said on Wednesday.
The action underscores China’s continued adherence to its "zero-COVID" policy, mandating lockdowns, routine testing, quarantines, and travel restrictions, even while most other countries have reopened, reports Channel News Asia.
A notice on the palace’s Weixin social media site said the palace that was the traditional home of Tibet’s Buddhist leaders would be closed from Tuesday (Aug 9), with a reopening date to be announced later.
Tibet's economy is heavily dependent on tourism.
Potala Palace draws a lot of tourists every year.
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