HP: Educational institutions to remain closed till April 4
What's the story
The Himachal Pradesh government ordered the closure of all educational institutions including colleges and schools till April 4 as a precautionary measure due to the spike in COVID-19 cases in the state. According to the decision taken during a high-level meeting presided over by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Friday, classrooms will remain open for students who are giving exams during this period.
Schools
Schools having residential facilities need not close their hostels
Some primary schools were already closed due to the COVID-19 threat and will continue to remain so till the end of next week. The chief minister said schools having residential facilities need not close their hostels, however, they should comply with all the standard operating procedures to keep the residential areas cut off and appoint a compliance officer to ensure all orders are followed.
Further directions
Public gatherings restricted to a maximum of 200 people
Thakur said, teachers, and other school and college staff would continue to attend the institutions. He further said that nursing and medical institutions would continue to function as usual. No social and cultural events would be organized in the state by the government and public gatherings would be restricted to a maximum of 200 people indoors and 50 percent for outdoor events.
Further details
Public Holi celebrations restricted in the state
The chief minister said congregations and langars inside temples are banned but darshans would be allowed. There would be no public celebration of Holi and he urged people to celebrate the festival at their home with family members. Thakur said all frontline workers would be sensitized to get themselves vaccinated at the earliest completing their second dose according to schedule.
Information
Respective district administrations can enforce additional restrictions
In view of the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, in the meeting, it was also decided that respective district administrations would take a call on enforcing additional restrictions keeping in view the positivity and fatality rate in their areas.