Due to a surge in Covid-19 cases, Himachal Government on Tuesday imposed fresh restrictions banning the entry of the general public in religious places from April 23 onwards.
Apart from this, all markets, shops, commercial establishments including malls, gyms, sports complex, swimming pools etc will now remain closed on Saturdays and Sundays till May 1 except shops of essential commodities.
The State Government in its orders on Tuesday imposed fresh restrictions in Himachal to contain the spread of COVID-19.
“All social, religious, sports, political gatherings, cultural, entertainment and other congregations are completely banned in the state. However, a maximum of 50 persons only will be allowed in gatherings related to marriages or funerals irrespective of location from April 22 onwards,” the order issued by the state’s Chief Secretary stated.
There will be a total ban on entry of the general public at large in the places of religious or worship from April 23. However, the daily rituals or pooja will continue to be performed, the order stated.
The order stated, “On Saturdays and Sundays, the restaurants, dhabas, hotels can operate in accordance with the SOPs issued by the Department of Tourism. All educational institutions will remain closed till May 1. However, all nursing, medical and dental colleges will remain open.”
HIMACHAL REPORTS 1340 CASES, 16 DEATHS
16 more people succumbed to COVID-19 as 1340 fresh cases surfaced in Himachal on Tuesday. According to the Himachal’s evening health bulletin, a maximum of six deaths were reported in Kangra. Four deaths were reported in Shimla, three in Una, one each in Hamirpur, Sirmaur and Mandi district. The death toll has reached 1206 while the total caseload was 79410 in the state. Of the 1340 fresh cases, a maximum of 265 cases were reported in Solan. 164 cases were reported in Shimla, 155 in Sirmour, 107 in Mandi, 138 in Hamirpur, 104 in Bilaspur.