The new restrictions, which also include closure of all malls, shops and markets on Sunday, coupled with the ones imposed earlier, will remain in effect till April 30, announced the Chief Minister, directing the Police department to strictly enforce the restrictions, taking support of civil society organizations where needed. All weekly markets have also ordered to be shut down.
Chairing a high-level virtual meeting to review the Covid situation in the state, the chief minister also ordered that all people flying into Punjab should have a negative RT-PCR not more than 72 hours old, else they would have to undergo RAT testing at the airport.
He also ordered that people who have attended large gatherings anywhere (religious/ political/social) to be mandatorily home quarantined for 5 days and tested as per protocol.
The Chief Minister directed the transport department that number of people in buses/taxis and autos be restricted to 50% of the capacity.
In a bid to check inbound travellers, the Chief Minister also directed that Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) testing booths should be set up at bus stands and railway stations and all passengers checked. All eligible persons should be also vaccinating
The Chief Minister rdered postponement of the recruitment exams for Patwaris and directed for Medical Education department to hold online examination for 1st, 2nd & 3rd year MBBS / BDS /BAMS and 1st year Nursing students.
The Chief Minister reiterated his appeal to all religious, social and political leaders to desist from organising large gatherings, encourage vaccination and motivate people for Covid appropriate behaviour, especially wearing of masks and avoiding gatherings.
Guardianss of Governance and all ex-servicemen have been urged to take the lead in ensuring adherence to protocols.
He further said that military hospitals in the cantonments in Punjab had assured the state government of all possible help to tackle the surge, while private hospitals had already been directed to reserve 75% beds for Covid patients.
