Chandigarh (Media Bureau) Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday announced extension of curfew in the state by two weeks after May 3, while unveiling steps for limited lifting of the lockdown restrictions, from Thursday, in the non-containment and non-red zones, with strict adherence to Covid-19 safety protocols.
Based on the report of the Expert Committee set up to formulate the state’s exit strategy, and the inputs received from various sections of society, the Chief Minister said it was necessary to continue with the lockdown restrictions for some more time.
The curfew/lockdown in the state will now remain in force till May 17, though limited easing of restrictions will be in place from Thursday from 7 am to 11 am every day. The containment and red zones will, however, continue to remain under total and strict lockdown.
In an address to the people of the state, the Chief Minister said the situation would be reviewed after two weeks and further relaxations announced thereafter if the pandemic remained in control.
As per the limited relief announced by the Chief Minister, certain shops will be allowed to remain open in certain areas by rotation, for four hours every morning, with 50% staff strength. The DCs have been directed to work out the rotational schedule for the shops that are allowed to be opened in line with the Chief Minister’s directives, which have come four days after the new MHA guidelines came into effect.
The lockdown/curfew will remain in place after 11 am, as usual, said the Chief Minister, appealing to people to be back in their homes by that time, and continue to maintain social distancing. All those stepping out during the relaxation period would have to wear masks and maintain a 2-metre distance from others, he said, adding that the relief had been provided only for the convenience of the people and should not be used for interactions with friends, etc.
If the situation improved after two weeks, the government could take more steps, said Amarinder
The limited relaxations announced by the Chief Minister from Thursday include permission for opening of all registered shops, except those in multi-brand and single-brand malls, with 50% strength of workers from 7 am to 11 am. In urban areas, all standalone shops, neighbourhood shops and shops in residential complexes are allowed to open during this period, as per the new directives, which make it clear, however, that establishments dealing in services like salons, barber shops etc would continue to remain closed. Further, e-Commerce companies will continue to be permitted to deal in essential goods only during this period.
