Now, 250 permitted at outdoor functions in Himachal

Tribune news Service

Shimla, July 3

The state government has announced more relaxations in restrictions following the decline in the positivity rate to 1.3 per cent. Now, a maximum of 250 persons can attend outdoor functions such as marriages and 150 persons can participate in functions held indoors.

Also read: Covid-19: 115 new cases, one death in Himachal

In indoor or covered areas, a maximum gathering of 50 per cent of the capacity with the cap of 150 persons will be allowed, henceforth. In open spaces, a gathering of maximum 250 persons will be allowed but in strict adherence to norms such as wearing of masks, thermal scanning, social distancing and use of hand wash or sanitisers.

The government has also acceded to the request of the Army Recruitment Office to allow the recruitment of youths in the Army and paramilitary forces through a common entrance exam. Also, with a decline in Covid cases, the Army, police and the Forest Department will also be allowed to hold recruitment rallies with strict safety protocols in view of large gatherings that such events witness.

Kullu, Bilaspur, Sirmaur and Solan district have the positivity rate of less than one per cent, while the case fatality rate of the state stands at 0.6 per cent. The test positivity rate of the state is 1.3 per cent with Mandi district having the highest positivity rate of 4.3 per cent. At present, 170 patients are admitted to various hospitals, and out of these 124 patients are on oxygen beds and 46 in the ICU. There are 2,609 oxygen beds and 275 ICU beds available in the state.