In view of sharp rise in COVID-19 cases the Himachal Pradesh government has decided to shut all education institutions in the state till 31st December. AIR correspondent reports that the State government has also decided to impose night curfew from 8 pm to 6 am in four districts.<br />''<br />''The decision to close all education institutions till 31st December has been taken in a state cabinet meeting in shimla today. The cabinet has also decided to impose night curfew from 8 pm to 6 am in four districts i.e Shimla, Mandi. Kangra and Kullu from November 24 to December 15.However, online studies would commence from coming 26th November.<br />'' <br />''Teachers have been asked to continue to work from home till further orders, whereas, offices of High Schools, Senior Secondary Schools and Colleges would function from 26th November, as well. Principals would be at liberty to call faculty members as per local requirement.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">The state government has also decided that all the social/ political/cultural / sports etc. gatherings in open areas would be restricted to 200 persons with social distancing. Cabinet also decided that a fine of Rs. 1000 would be imposed for not wearing a face mask in public places. On the other hand all the buses in the State would ply with 50 percent of occupancy till 15th December. In the wake of Covid-19 pandemic, the Cabinet also decided to restrict attendance of Class-III and IV government employees to 50 percent till 31st December.</span><br />