HP extends curfew till May 26
All shops dealing in construction materials to remain open on Tuesday and Friday for three hours
SHIMLA: The Himachal Pradesh cabinet on Saturday decided to extend the Covid-induced curfew in the state till May 26.
It has, however, allowed all shops dealing in construction materials to remain open twice a week — Tuesday and Friday—for three hours, to check the exodus of labourers.
Residents will not be allowed to book any marriage palaces, community halls or tent houses, catering or DJ/Band services for functions. However, marriage functions at home are allowed with a gathering of 20 persons, and in court. Procession of baarat has also been barred.
Vans for bodies
The cabinet also gave a go-ahead to all medical colleges, zonal and regional hospitals with a bed capacity of over 200 to hire dead body vans. All municipal corporations will also be allowed to hire such vans. It was decided that the forest department will provide free wood for cremation of Covid victims.
Seeks more ambulances from army, paramilitary
Himachal Pradesh government has sought help from the army, paramilitary and hydropower projects to enhance the state’s ambulance services. The state government has deployed a dedicated fleet of 123 ambulances, apart from the ones provided by the local administration and organisations such as Red Cross, to ferry Covid-19 patients.
“But with the increase in
infections, the state government feels the need for more ambulances,” said health secretary Amitabh Awasthi.
Anticipating third wave, HP decides to set up task force of paediatricians
Anticipating the third Covid-19, Himachal government has decided to set up a task force of paediatricians. A government spokesperson said the mass vaccination programme is currently underway for the 18-plus age group and by the next three or four months, this segment will be largely vaccinated which might leave children vulnerable.
CM inaugurates oxygen plant at Nahan medical college
Chief minister Jai Ram Thakur virtually inaugurated an oxygen plant which can produce 300 liters per minute, at Dr YS Parmar Government Medical College, Nahan, in Sirmour on Saturday.