Weekend, holiday travel curbs in Punjab

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 11

Restrictions on public movement are back in Punjab with a surge in Covid-19 cases and reports of community spread amid projections that the pandemic peak in the state is still two months away. Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh today ordered stricter lockdown on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) and public holidays, restricting movement to e-pass holders.

Till Thursday evening, the state had reported 2,887 cases, while the number was 2,415 on June 4. Such surge was not witnessed earlier, said a government spokesperson, adding the restrictions would come into effect immediately and the decision would be reviewed as per the prevailing situation later.

All citizens, barring medical staff and essential service providers, would be required to download e-passes from state government's COVA app, the CM said during a meeting held via video-conferencing to review preparedness.

Industry, however, would be allowed to function normally on all days, he said, asking the state police to ensure strict implementation of the directives to prevent large gatherings. The CM said tough measures were necessitated on account of spiralling cases across the world. Stringent curbs could help delay the peak, which experts say would hit in two months. With no early vaccine or treatment in sight, following strict protocols is the only way out, the CM observed.

E-pass must for movement; health services exempt

• Barring health staff/emergency services, public movement restricted on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays
• Citizens need to download e-passes from COVA app if travel is necessary; industry to function normally
• Restrictions come into effect immediately and the decision will be reviewed as per prevailing situation later

A decision on stricter curbs on those coming from Delhi would be taken after a review by experts, said the spokesperson.

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Pointing out that many of those who had come from outside had behaved irresponsibly and not reported to the health authorities, the CM said tough measures would have to be taken.

The CM asked health experts to consider imposition of stricter conditions, including mandatory testing certification for entrants from Delhi, where cases are rising substantially. On an average, 500-800 vehicles from Delhi were entering Punjab every day, said DGP Dinkar Gupta.

The CM suggested those coming from other states should be tested a week after their arrival and during the period, they must adhere to self-quarantine. Referring to complaints of overcharging by private hospitals, the CM directed the Health Department to ensure strict application of the CGHS rates. Data on the availability of beds, etc., must be put in public domain, he added.