Punjab shuts faculties, colleges till March 31 amid surge in Covid cases
(*31*)
The Congress authorities in Punjab has ordered recent restrictions in the state following a spurt in coronavirus cases. The authorities has ordered all academic establishments, apart from medical and nursing colleges, to stay closed till March 31. Cinema halls have been requested to function with 50 per cent capability and less than 100 individuals in a mall at any time. The new restrictions will come into impact from Saturday (March 20).
Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has appealed individuals to maintain social exercise in their homes to the naked minimal for the following 2 weeks to interrupt the transmission chain.
“Not more than 10 visitors should be entertained in homes,” he stated after chairing a gathering of the Covid Task Force with prime officers.
20 individuals allowed for funerals, weddings
In the 11 worst-hit districts, an entire ban has been ordered on all social gatherings and associated features, aside from funerals and weddings, which might be allowed with solely 20 individuals in attendance. This might be enforced from Sunday. These districts are Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, Mohali, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, SBS Nagar, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ropar and Moga. “In these districts, which will remain under night curfew from 9 pm to 5 am,” the order stated.
Also, the federal government has ordered cinemas, multiplexes, eating places, malls and so on to stay closed on Sundays, although house deliveries might be allowed topic to nighttime curfew. Industries and important companies shall be allowed to perform, however barring these, all restrictions shall be strictly enforced.
Also, beginning subsequent week, one hour of silence might be noticed throughout the state each Saturday, from 11 am to 12 midday, in reminiscence of those that misplaced their lives to Covid, with no automobile to ply presently.
The Chief Minister requested the district administration to contain most of the people, together with market committees, Sarpanches and so on, in this initiative, which can, nonetheless, stay voluntary for them.
The Chief Minister ordered restrictions on in-person public dealings in authorities places of work, with residents to be inspired to go to places of work just for important companies. SIngh directed officers to encourage on-line and digital modes for grievance redressal, and requested involved departments to concern needed directions for limiting appointments per day for registries and so on.
Though different districts won’t be positioned beneath such stringent restrictions for now, the Chief Minister ordered speedy reinforcement and strict monitoring of the technique of micro-containment and containment zones the place there are evident clusters. He made it clear that if needed, strict curbs may also be imposed in different districts if the scenario worsens and Covid protocols and norms are usually not adhered to be by the individuals.
The scenario might be reviewed after two weeks, the Chief Minister stated.
Singh additionally directed well being officers to ramp up testing per day to 35,000. He stated {that a} particular focus ought to be given on tremendous spreaders and authorities workers, academics in academic establishments, and so on. should be examined routinely.
“RAT testing should be stepped up along with RTPCR testing,” he ordered, whereas directing contact tracing and get in touch with testing to be taken as much as 30 per constructive particular person.
The Chief Minister additionally directed the Department of Medical Education & Research to right away full recruitment of specialists/tremendous-specialists.
Earlier on Thursday, Punjab witnessed 2,387 new coronavirus cases whereas 32 individuals succumbed to the contagion. According to the state’s Health Department, the an infection tally climbed to 2.05 lakh and toll additionally rose to six,204. The energetic cases additionally elevated to 14,366 from 13,320 a day in the past.
READ MORE: Coronavirus circulated undetected months earlier than first COVID-19 cases in China: Study
READ MORE: Punjab extends night time curfew timings in 9 districts amid surge in Covid cases
