A complete ban on social and religious gatherings has been imposed in Himachal Pradesh from January 10 to 24 over concerns about the spread of COVID-19.
The state government also announced on Sunday a five-day week in its offices, and capped the staff attendance to 50% over the same period, according to a report by news agency PTI.
Limits have also been imposed on gatherings of both indoor and outdoor gathering of people, with a cap of 100 for the former and 300 for the latter.
The government order has clarified that these restrictions would not be applicable with emergency services.
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A night curfew had already been imposed till further orders, and educational institutes ordered shut till January 26 in the state.
“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,” the order issued by state Chief Secretary Ram Subhag Singh said.
“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.
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Academic, sport, entertainment, cultural and political gatherings are permitted up to 50 per cent of the capacity of venue, subject to a maximum of 100 people in indoor areas and 300 people in open spaces, it added.
There will also be a ban on langars (community kitchens) in Himachal Pradesh.
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The High Court of Himachal Pradesh will issue separate orders with respect to judicial offices, the order stated.
District magistrates may fix timings of shops or markets after taking the Covid situation into account.
