Coronavirus: Punjab government announces new curbs; night curfew in whole state

Coronavirus Punjab: As coronavirus cases continue to remain high in the state, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday ordered a total ban on political gatherings till April 30. Even as he announced night curfew in all districts of the state. Also, the order regarding the closure of schools in Punjab will remain till April 30. He said that violators, including political leaders, will be booked under the DMA and Epidemics Act. The chief minister also announced the extension of night curfew from 9 PM to 5 AM, which was imposed in 12 districts, to the entire state. Also Read | CBSE Board Exams 2021: Students request govt to cancel exams due to rising COVID-19 cases Also, he reduced the number of attendees at funerals, cremations, weddings to 50 people indoors and 100 outdoors. Likewise, the wearing of masks has been made mandatory for all government employees while in office. These restrictions, coupled with the ones imposed earlier, which include the closure of schools and educational institutions in Punjab, remain effective till April 30. Also Read | Petrol, diesel more expensive as Punjab government imposes another cess However, there was some respite for shop owners in Malls, as the Chief Minister allowed entry of 10 people per shop at any given time, as against the earlier order of not allowing more than 100 people in a mall at one time. This would imply that 200 people will be allowed in a Mall with 20 shops at any given time. Captain Amarinder Singh, in his weekly review of the coronavirus situation in Punjab, expressed concern at the high positivity and mortality rates in the state. He said it was a matter of concern that over 85 percent of cases in Punjab are of the UK strain, which is more contagious and virulent. The Chief Minister also directed Punjab DGP, Dinkar Gupta, to ensure strict implementation of the night curfew. Click here to follow PTC News on Twitter -PTC News