Punjab enforces statewide lockdown till March 31

Chandigarh, March 22 (IANS) As the state’s coronavirus cases spiked to 21, the Punjab government on Sunday announced a compete lockdown of non-essential services as a preventing step against coronavirus till March 31, becoming another state to enforce a shutdown.

The statewide lockdown will come into force from Monday morning as an emergency measure to tackle the worsening Covid-19 situation.

All essential services in the state, which saw one death owing to coronavirus, will be available during the shutdown, which will be in force till 9 p.m. on March 31.

Even as Chief Minister Amarinder Singh appealed to all residents to observe all health safeguards, especially frequently washing hands, and to avoid leaving their homes unless there is an acute emergency, Chief Secretary Karan Avtar Singh clarified there will be no curfew during the lockdown period but restrictions under Section 144 shall remain imposed, thus preventing more than 10 people from getting together in a public space at any given time.

In addition to electricity, water and municipal services, banks and ATMs, the media and cable operators, all other establishments dealing with daily needs will remain open, a government statement said.

Restaurants, bakeries, ‘halwais’, tea shops and eateries will remain open for take-away or home delivery service.

The Deputy Commissioners have been directed to ensure strict implementation of the restrictions.

The Health Department has made it clear that all people are required to stay at home and they may leave home only if necessary for obtaining essential services, items or for employment or duty.

To ensure strict implementation of the restrictions under Section 144, Director General of Police Dinkar Gupta said extra forces were being deployed in all the districts.

The police personnel would take all precautions for their own safety and those of the people in whose contact they would come during this period, he said.

“You can play the most vital role in preventing further transmission of the disease by not stepping out,” Amarinder Singh said in his appeal to the people.

“During this period, all commercial establishments and shops will remain closed except those dealing in essential commodities like food, grocery, medicines, etc. All essential services such as water supply, sanitation and electricity shall be maintained. Restrictions on public transport imposed earlier will continue till March 31,” he added.

Pointing out that the Covid-19 pandemic had emerged as the foremost global threat, the Chief Minister assured that his government was fully prepared to face the challenge and had taken all possible precautionary measures so far.

“However, we may be required to take more measures, including imposing tougher restrictions, to save our state and people from any major harm,” he said.

The Chief Minister said those residents who have recently returned from abroad are required to undergo home quarantine and report to the nearest government health facility in case there is onset of any symptoms of the disease.

The local community must also assist the administration in enforcing this in larger public interest, he appealed.

–IANS

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