Amid concern over the rising Covid cases in the state, Punjab chief minister (CM) Captain Amarinder Singh on Tuesday ordered restriction on indoor gathering to 100 and outdoor to 200 persons from March 1, along with strict enforcement of mask/social distancing etc, with testing to be ramped to 30000 a day.
Chairing a high-level virtual meeting, he also authorised the DCs to impose night curfew in hot spots in their districts if needed, with micro containment strategy to be adopted. He directed the police force to ensure strict enforcement of wearing of masks, along with notification of Covid monitors by all restaurants, marriage palaces, with the Department of Excise and Taxation to be the nodal agency for the same.
He said a decision on reducing occupancy in cinema halls will be taken after March 1. Private offices and restaurants shall be encouraged to display last tests done for all employees.
While directing increased testing, Captain ordered mandatory testing of 15 contacts per positive, with monitoring to be done by CPTOs and review to be undertaken by the Health Department.
The CM also took stock of the vaccination status, underlining the need to carry out an IEC campaign to promote 100% coverage of healthcare and frontline workers. He directed the Health Department to plan to strategise the roll-out of vaccine for the elderly population and those with comorbidities.
He took note of the mortality audit findings that many of the deaths are happening within 2 -14 days of hospitalisation. He directed the Health Department to ensure proper monitoring of home isolation cases.
The CM asked the Health and Medical Education departments to ensure that all positions for which special hiring has been allowed are filled at the earliest.
Chief Secretary Vinni Mahajan ruled out re-closure of government schools and said the department is taking all steps to ensure the safety of students. Education Secretary Krishan Kumar said teachers have been designated nodal officers in schools to instruct students on the proper use of masks etc and ensure adherence to Covid appropriate behaviour.
