Punjab: Fresh guidelines issued, only two can travel in car
What's the story
The Punjab government on Monday announced not more than two persons can travel in a car, 50 percent staff strength at government offices, and a negative coronavirus test report must for those entering the state as part of added curbs amid rising COVID-19 cases and fatalities. All restrictions will remain in effect till May 15, according to the Punjab Home Department's directives to officials.
Information
Punjab is among the worst-hit states in the second wave
Punjab is among the worst-hit states in the second wave of the pandemic. On Saturday, it registered 7,041 fresh COVID-19 cases, the highest in a day, bringing the infection count to 3,77,990, while 138 more fatalities took the toll to 9,160.
Guidelines
Negative COVID-19 report or vaccination certificate must to enter Punjab
Anybody arriving in Punjab by air, rail, or road must have a negative COVID-19 report which is not more than 72-hour old or produce a vaccination certificate, at least one dose, over two weeks old. All four-wheeler passenger vehicles will not be allowed to seat over two passengers in the state. However, vehicles carrying patients to hospitals will be exempted, according to the directions.
Services
All non-essential services will remain shut
It also stated that pillion riding on scooters and motorcycles will not be allowed except for those belonging to the same family and living in the same house. All shops selling non-essential items will remain shut. For those dealing in medicines and essential items like milk, bread, vegetables, fruits, dairy, and poultry products like eggs, meat, mobile repair will be allowed.
Limitations
All government offices, banks will work at 50 percent strength
All government offices, as well as banks, will work at 50 percent strength other than those where officials are involved in COVID-19 management, according to the new directives, which also stated that deputy commissioners are authorized to draft services of any official for COVID-19 management and related duties. No gathering of more than 10 people, including weddings, cremations, and funerals, will be allowed.
Curfew
Religious places will be closed at 6 pm every day
Villages will hold vigil to ensure orders related to night and weekend curfews are complied with. Religious places will be closed at 6 pm every day and there must be no overcrowding. There will also be RT-PCR testing of street vendors and social distancing must be maintained in vegetable markets, according to the directives of the state home department.
Other details
Night curfew and weekend lockdown already in place
An appeal would also be made to farmer unions to restrict the number of protesters. There will also be a complete ban on government functions, like inaugurations, foundation ceremonies without the permission of the deputy commissioner. The state government has already imposed a night curfew from 6 pm till 5 am and weekend lockdown from 6 pm on Fridays till 5 am on Mondays.