Bhatkal: In wake of the Covid-19 scare, the temples and hotels have been wearing a deserted look in the taluk. As people avoided stepping out of their houses, there were hardly any customers in the hotels.

Many temples including Murdeshwar temple wore a deserted look. Murdeshwar Temple is also closed as per the order from Administration from today to March 31.

The business in small eateries, hotels, restaurants and chat centres have come down considerably in the last few days due to coronavirus scare. The people have stopped going to hotels and chat centres fearing the spread of the deadly virus. Most of the hotel owners said their business is down by 70% to 80% and finding it difficult to meet their everyday expenses. 

Nagaraj, owner of one of the Hotel in Murdeshwar, said, "We have seen 90% loss in our business since the coronavirus scare started. Customers are not coming to hotels like earlier. We don't know what to do. There is no business, and we have given holidays to workers till March 31."

All the beach-side shops are closed.