Gathering limit goes up to 200 in Himachal

Tribune News Service

Shimla, October 16

The government today enhanced the limit on gathering during social, academic, sports, entertainment, cultural, religious and political events from 100 to 200 in closed spaces and to 50 per cent of the capacity of venue in open places as part of opening up, especially in view of the festival season.

The Department of Revenue issued fresh Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to be followed during all such events being organised outside containments zones.

These directions will come into effect with immediate effect as the navratras begin from tomorrow.

However, it has been clearly spelt out that people above the age of 65, expectant mothers, people with co-morbidities and children below the age of 10 years have been advised to stay home and avoid all such gatherings.

With today’s Standard Operating Procedures now theatre, cinema and plays can be held with advisory for having more ticket counters and separate exit and entrance.

The SOPs clearly state that administrative requirements should ensure spatial boundaries which can facilitate compliance of thermal scanning, physical distancing and proper sanitisation.

It has been pointed out that events planned for many days or weeks such as exhibition, fairs, pandals, ramlila pandals, or concerts and plays should have adequate measures to ensure cap on physical number, staggering and restricted entry.

The Standard Operating Procedures also include handling and protocol to be followed in case there is a covid suspect.

New SOPs in place

• The limit on gathering during social, academic, sports, entertainment, cultural, religious and political events has been increased from 100 to 200 in closed spaces and to 50 per cent of the capacity of venue in open places as part of opening up, especially in view of the festival season.
• It has been pointed out that events planned for many days or weeks should have adequate measures to ensure cap on physical number, staggering and restricted entry.