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 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.