Adopting a graded approach to reopening, Punjab chief minister (CM) Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday ordered extension of Covid restrictions in the state to June 15 with certain relaxations, including opening of shops till 6 pm and private offices to function at 50% strength.
Night curfew will remain in force from 7pm to 6am on weekdays, including Saturdays, but regular weekend curfew will continue on Sundays, the CM said.
With case positivity declining to 3.2% and active cases also coming down, the CM allowed gatherings up to 20 people, including weddings and cremations. Entry restrictions (negative Covid test/vaccination) for arrivals in the state have also been done away with.
Recruitment exams will be allowed to be held subject to adherence to social distancing and other Covid appropriate norms, though the CM said online mode should be preferred. Sports training for national and international events has also been permitted in Punjab and the Department of Sports and Youth affairs has been asked to issue necessary instructions and guidelines, which shall have to be strictly adhered to.
Reviewing the Covid situation virtually, the Punjab CM said district administration may determine opening of non-essential shops, including on weekend, on the basis of local situation, while ensuring that crowding leading to spread of Covid are avoided. On government offices, he said that attendance can be decided by the head of the concerned office but co-morbid/disabled employees at risk may be exempted.
Further relaxations will be allowed in the coming weeks depending on the outcomes, if the cases continue to decline, said Captain Amarinder, adding that gyms and restaurants could be opened after a week with 50%, and other conditions as per expert advice, if the situation improves further. Owners and workers of the gyms and restaurants should get themselves vaccinated prior to the reopening, he added.
Punjab’s Covid Expert Group head Dr KK Talwar informed the meeting that almost 30% Covid patients are having post Covid complications and continue to be symptomatic. Patients are taking almost three months to get back to normal, and thus need to be strictly monitored, he added.
