Nepal closes down Mount Everest for climbers amid coronavirus outbreak
Climbing season for climbers from March to May, Nepal has shut down its Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest, amid concerns of a coronavirus pandemic.
Also, the country has halted its visa-on-arrival system used by most climbers arriving in Nepal. Officials have declared that before the situation comes under control all of the Himalayan peaks will remain inaccessible to climbers.
Each year over 30 000 Australian mountaineers travel to Nepal during the spring season beginning in March and peaking in April and May.
According to a news article, the country is making more than $5 million a year just from the permit fee it charges climbers and the closure will result in major losses.
One case of coronavirus has been reported in the region. Upon his way back to Nepal, she was a student from China. So far 450 people have been tested in the region.
