New Delhi, April 16 -- As the country struggles to combat the massive spike in coronavirus cases, India decided to shut all centrally-protected monuments and museums, including the Taj Mahal, Red Fort and Ajanta Caves, till May 15.

"All centrally protected monuments, museums and sites under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have been closed with immediate effect till May 15 due to the surge in coronavirus cases in the country," India's Ministry of Culture announced.

"Due to the prevailing COVID situation, it has been decided to close all centrally protected monuments, sites and museums under the ASI with immediate effect and till May 15 or until further orders," the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) said.

Earlier, Chief Minis...