Positivity rate 2%, Punjab eases restrictions

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 15

With Punjab’s positivity rate coming down to 2 per cent, Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Tuesday announced easing of restrictions, allowing restaurants, cinemas and gyms to open at 50 per cent capacity from Wednesday. He also announced increase in gatherings at weddings and cremations to 50 persons.

Under the new guidelines, which will remain in effect till June 25 when these will be reviewed, night curfew will be in place from 8 pm to 5 am, with weekend curfew from 8 pm on Saturday till 5 am on Monday.

All essential activities, including those covered under existing exemptions, will remain unaffected. Chairing a high-level virtual Covid review meeting, the Chief Minister ordered opening of eateries, cinemas, gyms at 50 per cent capacity provided all their employees have received at least one dose of vaccination. Bars, pubs and taverns will continue to remain closed.

Air-conditioned (AC) buses can ply with 50 per cent occupation. All educational institutions will continue to remain shut.

Chief Secretary Vini Mahajan said new cases in all districts were showing a downward trend. “Daily cases are likely to decline to about 210 June 28,” she said.

Gyms, cinemas to open at 50% capacity

• Restaurants, cinemas and gyms to open at 50% capacity from Wednesday
• Entire staff must have got at least one vaccine dose
• Cap on gatherings at weddings and cremations hiked to 50
• Curfew from 8 pm to 5 am; weekend curfew from Saturday (8 pm) till Monday (5 am)