via Myanmar Times, 04 August 2020: Bagan temples were closed abruptly two weeks ago to prevent the spread of Covid-19, but at the same time disrupted many businesses hoping to get some reprieve from the downturn.
The last-minute closure of 17 pagodas in the ancient city of Bagan during the long holiday weekend dampened the festive mood at one the country’s most visited pilgrimage sites.
U Chin Po of the Bagan Lovers Group said that the recently designated UNESCO World Heritage Site only received about 30 percent of the visitors it expected.
The pagoda board of trustees closed the pagodas due to concerns that an influx of visitors would make it impossible to maintain social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Among the popular pagodas closed to visitors during the holidays were Shwezigon, Arnanda, Sulamani, Dhammayangyi and Bu Phaya.
Source: Pagoda closure dampens holiday spirit in Bagan | The Myanmar Times
