Shimla | TNR
The Jai Ram Thakur government in Himachal is expected to announce further Covid restrictions at the Cabinet meeting to be held on Tuesday.
Restrictions on marriage, social functions likely
These will primarily involve restrictions on marriage ceremonies and social events. This gains importance in light of the Chief Minister’s declaration recently that the spread of the virus in the state was not due to the influx of tourists but rather, marriage and other social gatherings. Prior to the meeting, the health department will make its presentation on preparations to be undertaken to deal with the third wave of Covid-19 which, according to warnings issued by doctors, will hit the country by October.
Decision on college reopening expected
It is also expected that the Cabinet will take a decision on the reopening of colleges since most students studying in colleges have already taken the first dose of the Covid vaccine. This is also due to the decreasing numbers of active cases over the past 5 to 6 days, which has dropped from 2850 a week ago to 2050 currently.
Total vaccination in state
The Cabinet will discuss the issue of vaccinating the entire population of the state as soon as possible. So far, more than 96 per cent of the people above the age of 18 have received the first dose of the vaccine. The target now is to cover the entire population of Himachal with both doses at the earliest.
Reopening of schools?
A decision on reopening schools in the state after August 28 is likely to be taken at the Cabinet meeting. While schools in most states of the country have reopened, Himachal had to close schools after reopening them on August 2, as several students and teachers had tested positive for the virus since then. In view of this situation, the government ordered schools to close down until August 22, which was later extended to August 28.
