Punjab closes cinema halls, gyms, swimming pools in view of coronavirus

Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, March 14

After ordering closure of all educational institutes in the state till March 31, the Punjab government on Saturday shut down cinema halls, gyms and swimming pools till further orders amid coronavirus scare.

This was stated in a government release. The order comes into effect from midnight.

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 Earlier, Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu had said the government was contemplating to take this step keeping public health in view.

“Keeping public health in view, we are contemplating closure of cinemas, gyms and clubs till March 31. Besides, we are also thinking to impose ban till the end of this month on all such public functions which attract big crowds,” Sidhu had said.

In the wake of coronavirus scare, the Punjab government on Friday ordered closure of all universities, colleges and school till March 31.

Meanwhile, Punjab government has decided to give its retiring doctors and paramedical staff working at its department of family health and welfare department an extension until September 30, 2020, in the wake of the health crisis.

These retiring doctors and paramedical staffers will be ineligible for promotion or additional perks, an order issued by Principal Secretary of Department of Health and Family Welfare said. With PTI