India puts back Taj Mahal reopening citing COVID-19 risks

FILE PHOTO: A Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel stands guard inside the empty premises of the historic Taj Mahal during a 21-day nationwide lockdown to slow the spreading of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Agra, India, April 2, 2020. REUTERS/Sunil Kataria

NEW DELHI/AGRA (Reuters) - India has withdrawn a planned reopening of the Taj Mahal, citing the risk of new coronavirus infections spreading in the northern city of Agra from visitors flocking to see the 17th century monument to love.

Local authorities issued a new advisory late on Sunday ordering an extension of lockdown curbs on monuments in and around Agra. The government order did not specify the duration of the lockdown for monuments that have been closed since March.