<span style="color: #222222;">In view of the recent spike in COVID-19 cases the Himachal Pradesh government has decided to close all educational institutions including Universities, Colleges, Technical Institutes and schools till 4th April. However, schools having exams will remain open. This was decided in a high level meeting presided over by the Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur in Shimla today.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The Chief Minister said that schools having residential facilities need not to close their hostels, however they would have to comply with all the COVID SOPs to keep these residential areas cut off and appoints Compliance Officers to comply with all the orders. He said that teachers and other school/college staff would continue to attend the institutions. The Chief Minister said there would be no public celebration of holi and urged the people to celebrate Holi at their residence with their family members only</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">It was also decided in the meeting that no social and cultural events would be organized in the State by the Government and gatherings would be restricted to a maximum of 200 for indoor and 50 per cent for outdoor events. Nursing and medical institutions would continue to function as usual. On the other hand congregations and langers inside the temples have also been banned however darshans would be allowed.</span><br />''