Himachal Pradesh government has decided to put an end to the e-paas system for entry in the state from July 1. The decision to discontinue the e-pass was taken by the Himachal state cabinet meeting on June 23. The government has also allowed inter-state buses to operate with 50 percent capacity. Also, all the temples in the state will also reopen from July 1 with COVID protocol in place.
Government offices will start working with full capacity from July 1 too. CM Jai Ram Thakur also announced that all shops would remain open from 9 am to 8 pm and restaurants would be allowed to operate till 10 pm starting from July 1.
Just a few days back, the Himachal Pradesh government announced that no RT-PCR test reports would be required to enter the state. Soon after the announcement, an overwhelming number of vehicles created a massive jam in the Parwanoo region, bordering Himachal and Haryana. The pictures of the jam went viral on social media.
As per the SOPs issued by the Department of Language, Art and Culture, Himachal Pradesh, a notice said that the state has also allowed the religious spots to reopen but devotees need to follow all the requisite social distancing norms. But no kirtan, bhajan, jagratas etc. shall be permissible.
Social gatherings will be allowed up to 50 per cent of the total indoor capacity with a maximum of 50 persons, whereas a maximum of 100 persons will be allowed in outdoor gatherings.
These steps have been taken in view of persistent demand form hoteliers and others associated with the tourism sector. The hospitality sector has been the worst hit, with thousands of people losing their jobs.
