Tribune news service
Shimla, November 28
In an attempt to curb the increase in Covid cases, Himachal Pradesh has switched to a five-day-a-week routine for its employees across the state.
On Saturday, the government also restricted attendance at all social, political and religious gatherings to 50 people.
The decision was made at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur here. The meeting was attended by the Minister of Health, Rajiv Sehgal, the Minister of Irrigation and Public Health, Mahender Singh, and the Minister of Urban Development, Suresh Bhardwaj.
A change has already been made to night curfew times in four districts: Shimla, Mandi, Kangra and Kulu. It will apply from 9 pm to 6 am instead of the previous hours of 8 pm to 6 am.
“From now on, no more than 50 people will be allowed in a social gathering, be it a wedding, a political rally or a religious congregation, as such gatherings have been found to be the main cause of the spread of Covid,” he said the Chief Minister.
He said the 50 limit would be applicable to any function, whether indoors or outdoors. Previously, the limit was 100 for indoors and 200 for outdoors.
The Chief Minister said that the positive results of the night curfew were being noticed as it has reduced night travel.
“The fact that the window panes are closed during night trips, be it a bus or a private vehicle, becomes the main cause of transmission of Covid,” he said.
He said that although people faced inconvenience due to the night curfew, he would continue.
He said that although there is no shortage of oxygen in any hospital, its supply would increase in all health institutions.
He said additional staff would be hired through outsourcing, be it in the case of nurses, ward children or other paramedics.
“Bed capacity will also increase statewide so that, if required, Covid patients can be accommodated,” he said.
He said that private health institutions would also be tied up for that purpose.
