ENSURE STRICT COMPLIANCE WITH SAFETY NORMS: CAPT

CHANDIGARH: With a large set of new relaxations being effected from Tuesday, Punjab chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh has directed the state police to ensure strict compliance of Covid-19 safety protocols, including social distancing and wearing of masks.

The next 25-30 days would be extremely crucial for containing the spread of coronavirus disease in view of the sudden opening up of the economy, as well as office/ commercial activity, after a 55-day curfew, the CM warned.

“We cannot let all the benefits of all the work done by you in the past 55 days and sacrifices made by the people of Punjab go to waste due to any complacency on our part now,” he asserted.

It may be recalled that the CM had last week announced lifting of the curfew with effect from May 18, but with the continuation of lockdown in the state till May 30. Acting on the CM’S directives, DGP Dinkar Gupta has asked all CPS and SSPS across the state to register FIRS and impound vehicles or issue challans in case of any violation of the lockdown restrictions. “We should send a strong message to enforce the various restrictions stringently,” the DGP told his officers, citing the chief minister’s instructions.

All SSPS and CPS have been asked to ensure compulsory wearing of masks by everyone stepping out of their homes, said the DGP. They have been directed to enforce strict social distancing not just in shops, offices, banks and liquor outlets, but also in vehicles and buses.