9 more deaths, 129 new cases in Amritsar

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, September 20

Daily casualties due to Covid continue to gallop in the district as the health authorities reported nine deaths on Sunday, taking the toll to 309. Besides, 129 new cases were reported that took the case count to 8,170.

Those who fell victim to the virus included Inderjit Kaur (55) of Gali No. 1 of the Kot Mitt Singh area, Kewal Krishan (81) of Dream City on GT Road, Satish Tandon (72) of Gali Dhanna Pandi Bazar Kaseriyan, Raghav (28) of the Raj Cinema locality at Chattiwind Gate, Karar Chand (55) of the Narayangarh area, Amarjit Kaur (67) of Gobind Nagar, Amar Singh (72) and Swaranit (65), both residents of Kashmir Avenue, and Darshan Kaur (65) of the Fatehgarh Churian road locality.

Of the 129 fresh cases reported on Sunday, 67 patients were suffering from influenza-like illness and 62 persons were contacts of Covid patients. A total of 201 persons were discharged after recovery on Sunday while the number of active cases stands at 1,730. 

Schools to stay shut: DC

In a statement issued here on Sunday, District Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Khaira said schools and colleges in the holy city would remain shut till September 30. The Centre under the Unlock 4.0 guidelines had suggested reopening of schools from September 21, however, the state government had decided to keep educational institute shut in view of the spike in Covid cases. The DC, however, clarified that online classes would continue as usual.

Though educational institutes and coaching centres would be remain closed till further orders, 50 per cent of non-teaching staff could be allowed to come at a time, the DC said. He further clarified that these relaxations were not allowed in containment zones. 

He said in higher education institutes, only research students and postgraduate students involved in practical works were allowed to work in laboratories. The DC said though open theatres were allowed to open, cinema halls, swimming pools and amusement parks will remain closed. He said these orders would remain in force till September 30.