Cases and deaths in the vast nation of 1.3 billion people
soared to record levels in April and May, with state and national authorities
imposing lockdowns and other restrictions to stem the spread of the virus.
Infections have declined in recent weeks, with major cities
including the capital New Delhi and the financial capital Mumbai lifting some
curbs on movement and activities.
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal was
shut down in March last year as India imposed one of the world’s strictest
lockdowns at the start of the pandemic.
The monument of love built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a
tomb for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal reopened in September with restrictions
on the number of visitors before shutting again in mid-April.
The Taj Mahal is in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh,
which was badly hit during the massive wave of infections and deaths.
COVID-19 precautions mean visitors would not be allowed to
touch the shining marble mausoleum, an Archaeological Survey of India official
said.
“All Covid-appropriate precautions are being taken,” the
official told AFP.
“Visitors will have to step on a sponge-like platform which
will act as a sanitiser for shoes.”
AFP