Punjab extends lockdown till May 17; four-hour relaxation of curfew every day
The lockdown in Punjab will now remain in force till May 17. Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh said there will be four-hour relaxation of the curfew every day from 7 am to 11 am.
Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday announced the extension of curfew in the state by two weeks after May 3. Making the announcement, Amarinder Singh said that curfew will be relaxed between 7 am and 11 am so that people can start their industrial work.
During this period, shops will be open and functioning of the industry will be allowed, but strict social distancing norms must be followed at all times. Depending on the situation after two weeks, a decision will be taken on its extension or removal, he said.
Singh said it was necessary to continue with the lockdown restrictions for some more time and the decision was taken after a thorough examination of the report by the expert committee set up to formulate the state’s exit strategy and the inputs received from various sections of the society.
The containment and red zones will, however, continue to remain under total and strict lockdown.
As per the Union Health Ministry data, Punjab has registered 322 cases of COVID-19. At least 19 people have died due to virus in the state and 71 have been discharged from hospitals after recovery.