Due to concerns over the spread of the deadly novel coronavirus, everything from Disney World to coffee shops are closing down. Today, we read in the Kathmandu Post that a government official in Nepal said that no one is likely to climb the world’s highest peak this spring.
“The Nepal government, late Thursday night, decided to temporarily stop issuing on-arrival tourist visas to all countries and has put an end to all spring mountaineering expeditions, including Everest ascents.”
The climbing season in Nepal generally kicks off in early April when hoards of climbers arrive to climb the world’s tallest mountains.
The decision to cancel all permits will be a big economic blow to the people of Nepal. The government alone earns around $4 million by issuing Everest climbing permits every year.