Himachal Pradesh Govt. issues fresh guidelines to ease certain COVID-19 induced restrictions; dispenses with Night Curfew

In continuation to Order dated 31st January, 2022 and in view of the present situation, the Government of Himachal Pradesh has issued certain relaxations in the State –

Key Highlights:

• There will be no Night Curfew in the State;
• There shall be no restriction of capacity and working days in the offices if the Government Department / PSUs / local bodies / Autonomous bodies including HP Secretariat and they shall work with 100% attendance in all working days. However, persons with disability and pregnant women employees shall continue to work from home.
• Classes from 9th to 12th are allowed to function w.e.f. 03-02-2022 in all summer closing schools including residential schools (Government / Semi-Government / Private) in the District. All other classes to remain closed. The School Administration will ensure adherence of COVID-19 SOPs and safety protocols while conducting classes;
• All coaching centres and libraries are allowed to open subject to adherence of COVID Appropriate Behaviour and safety protocols;
• Universities / Colleges / Technical Education and other higher educational institutions are allowed to open from 03-02-2022 with strict adherence to COVID-19 appropriate behaviour and safety protocols;
• Gymnasiums / Sports Complex and Clubs are allowed to function with strict adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols;
• The shops shall open as per their normal prescribed times;
• Religious langars shall remain prohibited in all places in District;
• All social / religious / cultural / political and other congregations including weddings and funerals are permitted up to 50% of the capacity in indoor built up / covered up areas as well as in open spaces / outdoor areas. There shall be strict adherence of COVID-19 appropriate behaviour and safety protocols during the congregations / gatherings.
• ‘No Mask, No Service’ policy shall be operational in the District;

The above-mentioned restrictions will not be applicable to the following persons and vehicles –

• Telecom and internet services;
• Print and electronic media correspondents and persons and vehicles involved in newspaper supply chain;
• Hospitals including private persons visiting hospitals for medical emergency, pharmaceutical and health related manufacturing units and their ancillaries along with transport related activities;
• Government servants on Magisterial / Law and Order duty and officials of District Disaster Management Authority;
• Officials of Health and Ayush department including persons working In private health establishments, while on duty;
• Fire services;
• Police, Mititary, paramilitary forces and other security forces which are under the control of Central / State Government;
• Government or Semi-Government employees on duty pertaining to mitigation of COVID-19 as certified by concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrate;
• Electricity, Water, Municipal services;
• Vehicles involved in maintenance, maintenance of goods and services and medical emergency;
• Dhabas /eateries on National Highways with prior permission of SDM concerned;
• Inter-District stage carriage passenger vehicles in transit. Any person with confirmed bus ticket of such a bus who is essentially required to travel during curfew hours;

A Copy of the Order is attached herewith for your ease of reference.

Source: Government of Himachal Pradesh