Punjab has restricted the public movement on weekends and public holidays

Since coronavirus is on the peak in Punjab, therefore Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has ordered a stricter lockdown on weekends and public holidays, restricting the movement to e-pass holders. Till Thursday evening, the state had reported 2887 cases while the cases on June 4 was 2415. Such surge was not witnessed earlier said the spokesperson adding the restrictions will come into effect immediately and the decision would be reviewed as per the prevailing situation later. 

All the citizens, medical staff and the essential service providers are required to download the e-pass from State government’s COVA app, the CM informed during a meeting held via video-conferencing to review preparedness. Although, the industries would be allowed to function normally like other days. The state police however asked to ensure the strict implementation of the directives to prevent the large gatherings.

The CM had also said that tough measures are necessary amid increasing coronavirus cases. With no early vaccine or treatment insight, these strict protocols are the only way out. Stricter curbs on those coming from Delhi would be taken after the review by experts. He also pointed out that many of those who had come from outside had behaved irresponsibly and did not report to the health authorities. 

The CM requested health experts to consider the imposition of stricter conditions, including a mandatory testing certification for the entrants from Delhi. DGP Dinkar Gupta said that around 500-800 vehicles from Delhi were entering Punjab every day. It has been suggested by the CM that those coming from the other states should be tested a week after their arrival and during the period also they must adhere to self-quarantine. Regarding the complaints of overcharging by the private hospitals, the CM directed to the Health Department to ensure strict action against the CGHS rates, data on the availability of beds etc. must be put in the public domain he added.