Unlock process begins in HP, all shops open
The state cabinet will decide on restarting public transport in its meeting on June 5
DHARAMSHALA: As the Covid-19 cases have dipped significantly in most part of the state, Himachal Pradesh on Monday went into partial unlock with all shops opening for five hours.
The opening of economic activities also led to increased movement of people in bazaars.
The state had extended the Covid curbs till June 7 but announced relaxations, including increase in the opening hours of shop last Friday.
However, rural people faced difficulties in reaching markets as public transport has not been resumed yet. The state cabinet will decide on restarting public transport in its meeting slated for June 5.
Suresh Kumar, of Gharoh near Dharamshala, said, due to no public transport, he was facing difficulties in reaching the town where he had to purchase some household articles.
Shopkeepers are happy about reopening of markets and hope to make up the losses they suffered in last one month .
Jeet Singh, who runs a carpentry shop in Dharamshala, said government should have allowed opening of shops in a staggered manner on alternative days. “Daily earners like me have suffered huge losses during the lockdown,” he said.
Daily fatalities come down to 19; 865 test +ve
Himachal Pradesh on Monday recorded the lowest number of fatalities due to Covid-19 in over a month with 19 people succumbing to the contagion; and the death toll mounted to 3,127.
Eight fatalities were reported in Kangra, four in Shimla, three in Solan, and one each in Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Mandi and Una.
Highest fatalities since the virus outbreak were recorded on May 18 when 78 people had died.
Covid cases rose to 1,90,330 after 865 people tested positive.
Recoveries reached 1,73,560 after 2,167 people recuperated.
Of the new cases, 218 were reported in Kangra, 113 in Mandi, 99 in Una, 87 in Sirmaur, 75 in Hamirpur, 64 in Shimla, 52 in Bilaspur, 49 in Chamba, 41 each in Kinnaur and Kullu, 20 in Solan, and six in Lahaul-spiti.