Due to the rise in COVID cases in the state, Himachal Government on Sunday announced capping the attendance of employees in government offices to 50 percent besides banning social and religious gatherings from January 10 to 24.
“All offices of government departments/ PSUs/ local bodies/ autonomous bodies, including the HP Secretariat, will remain closed on Saturdays and Sundays and these offices will operate with 50 per cent attendance on working days,” stated an order issued by state Chief Secretary Ram Subhag Singh.
However, the High Court of Himachal Pradesh will issue separate orders with respect to the High Court and all other judicial offices regarding attendance of employees.
These restrictions will not be on offices dealing with emergency or essential services such as health, police, fire, banks, electricity, water and sanitation, public transport, telecom, excise, budget and related incident services/activities etc, it added.
The order said, “All social and religious gatherings shall be completely banned in state.” Other gatherings or congregations like academic, sport, entertainment, cultural and political gatherings are permitted up to 50 per cent capacity of venue, subject to a maximum of 100 people in indoor areas and 300 people in open spaces, it said while adding that prior intimation of gatherings shall be given to district/sub divisional administration.