Major decision by Punjab govt-Curfew extended with relaxation
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in/ Chandigarh
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday announced extension of curfew in the state by two weeks after May 3, while unveiling steps for limited lifting of the lockdown restrictions, from tomorrow, in the non-containment and non-red zones, with strict adherence to Covid-19 safety protocols.The govt is also going to give relaxation from morning 7:00 AM to 11 AM, with effect from tomorrow.
Chief Minister further added that limited movement is allowed for all from 7:00 AM to 11 AM” All are also requested to come back to their residents,within the stipulated time i.e by 11. AM on must must basis, as the curfew is already imposed in Punjab.
The curfew/lockdown in the state will now remain in force in Punjab will May 17, though limited easing of restrictions will be in place from tomorrow from 7 am to 11 am every day. The containment and red zones will, however, continue to remain under total and strict lockdown.
As per the limited relief announced by the Chief Minister, certain shops will be allowed to remain open in certain areas by rotation, for four hours every morning, with 50% staff strength. The DCs have been directed to work out the rotational schedule for the shops that are allowed to be opened in line with the Chief Minister’s directives, which have come four days after the new MHA guidelines came into effect.
The Spokesperson also stated that in line with the 4th corrigendum of MHA issued on April 24, the State Home Department has issued detailed guidelines clarifying that the word ‘shopping complexes’ is replaced with ‘market complexes’ within the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities meaning thereby that activities in market complexes would continue to remain prohibited till May 3, 2020.
In rural areas, all shops registered under the Shops & Establishment Act except those in multi-brand and single-brand malls are allowed to open with 50% strength of workers. Similarly, in urban areas, all stand-alone shops, neighbourhood shops and shops in residential complexes are allowed to open. The Shops in markets, market complexes and shopping malls are not allowed to open.All registered shops except those in multi brand and single brand malls are allowed to open with 50% strength of workers from 7:00 AM to 11 AM.
Establishments dealing in services like saloons, barber shops etc. would continue to remain closed.
E- Commerce companies will continue to be permitted for essential goods only.
Industries permitted to operate subject to certain conditions.
The Spokesperson further stated that the aforesaid corrigendum of MHA applies to shops other than those shops/establishments dealing with essential commodities, which are regulated under Clause 13 without any restrictions.
Complete COVID 19 prevention measures such as social distancing, washing hands regularly, use of masks should be strictly complied with.
Referring to the large number of Punjabis stranded in other states due to the lockdown, the Chief Minister said it was his government’s duty to bring them back but they would have to be quarantined for 21 days. The state had made arrangements for their quarantine in all district, he said, adding that the problem had aggravated in Punjab due to the large number of NRIs who came home, followed by the attendees of the Nizamuddin event. The state, he said, could not afford to let those coming from outside again let things spiral out of control. The quarantine for those coming home from other states was essential for the protection of the people, he said.
While various experts were coming out with different opinions, there seemed to be an indication that the coronavirus crisis could continue till July/August, or even September, said Captain Amarinder, terming it a long-drawn battle. Pointing out that no country had escaped the coronavirus, he observed that the disease had claimed lots of lives across the world, with nearly 50000 people dying in the US, which had reported 10 lakh cases so far. He cited the examples of UK, Germany and Canada, to underscore the need for continued caution.
April,29,2020 (3.10 PM)
