Himachal Pradesh govt extends COVID-19 restrictions from May 31 to June 7

Shimla: To check the spread of coronavirus in Himachal Pradesh, the state government on Friday announced to extend the COVID-related restrictions in the state for another week. However, the government also announced to provide a few relaxations, including keeping the shops open for longer hours, news agency PTI reported.

The COVID-triggered restrictions were imposed in the hill state till May 31. Now, it will remain in force till June 7. The decision was taken during a COVID review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur.

The new order, however, provide specific relaxations and they will be effective from 6 am on May 31 till 6 am on June 7.

Here is what's allowed and what is not:

As per the new directive, all shops and other establishments will be allowed to remain open from 9 am to 2 pm on weekdays.

It was decided that government offices would also function with 30 per cent attendance, except stand alone offices with a strength of up to four employees will remain open with full strength. 

Shops dealing with essential items like - milk, bread, medicine - will remain open as usual during Saturdays and Sundays as well.

All the educational institutions in the state will remain closed. 

Public transport will also remain suspended till further orders. 

All other restrictions and exemptions will continue as per guidelines already issued under the "corona curfew".