COVID-19 in Punjab: Night Curfew in Hotspots, Curbs on Indoor, Outdoor Gatherings From March 1

Coronavirus in Punjab: Taking preventive measures to prevent the rising of coronavirus cases in the state, the Punjab government on Tuesday ordered strict curbs on both indoor and outdoor gatherings from March 1. Issuing an order, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh authorised deputy commissioners (DCs) to impose night-curfew in COVID-19 hotspots in their districts if needed. Also Read – Govt Says N440K, E484K Variants of SARS-CoV-2 Detected in Maharashtra, Kerala, Telangana

Holding a virtual review meeting of the COVID-19 situation in Punjab, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh issued orders to limit indoor gatherings to 100 people and outdoor events to 200 attendees from March 1. Moreover, he directed that face masks and social distancing norms be strictly enforced. Also Read – Coronavirus: PMO Holds Emergency Meeting to Review Situation, Govt Says 70% Cases in Kerala, Maharashtra | Key Points

The move from the state government comes amid growing concerns over an upswing in the number of coronavirus cases in the state. Also Read – Maharashtra: 39 Students, 5 Staff Members at a Hostel in Latur Test COVID Positive, Quarantined

Singh authorised DCs to adopt micro-containment strategies and impose night-curfews in COVID-19 hotspots if needed, and directed the police to ensure that people wear masks.

The chief minister said a decision on reducing occupancy in cinema halls will be taken after March 1. Private offices and restaurants will be encouraged to display last COVID-19 tests done for all employees, he added.

The development comes as Punjab is among five states that have been asked by the Centre to refocus on strict surveillance, containment and RT-PCR testing to check the growing number of cases. The other four states are Maharashtra, Kerala, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.

Apart from this, the Punjab chief minister has ordered authorities to ramp up number of daily Coivd-19 tests conducted in the state to 30,000 a day. Moreover, the districts have been also empowered to undertake micro containment strategies. Besides, he said that the decision on reducing occupancy in cinema halls will be taken after March 1.

However, the private offices and restaurants will be encouraged to display last tests done for all employees.