Retiring govt doctors, paramedics given extension till September 30
CHANDIGARH: The Captain Amarinder Singh-led Punjab government on Monday passed a resolution, give ex-post facto approval to extend the services of retiring doctors and paramedical staff of the state health and family welfare department till September 30, 2020.
Though Punjab has so far reported only one confirmed case, no effort is being spared by the state government to ensure stringent measures against the spread of the disease, which has been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The cabinet appealed to the people to avoid going to crowded places and mass gatherings, to maintain hand and respiratory hygiene, and to ensure cleanliness of surroundings.
People are also advised to wash their hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitiser and they should avoid touching their face, said an official spokesperson. or the control rooms of their respective districts. The cabinet appealed to people to either defer wedding functions or ensure that no more than 50 people are present.
The chief minister asked all the ministers to monitor the situation and ensure the implementation of curbs in their districts in coordination with the administrative and civic officials. He directed the health department to ensure that ventilators are available in all district hospitals to deal with any exigency.
He ordered private and state run buses to carry hand sanitisers for passengers to ensure hygiene in the vehicles.
All government and private schools are already closed till March 31. However, medical colleges (senior year students) have been kept open as a support system. The cabinet decided that MBBS students who were not employed should be contacted and asked by the department to stand by on voluntary basis.
GOVT APPEALS TO DERA, SECT HEADS SENSITISE THEIR FOLLOWERS
The council of ministers led by the CM appealed to the heads of religious sects and dera to limit the gatherings and sensitise the followers about the virus.
The cabinet advised people to avoid non-essential travel, and people who are having cough, sneezing and fever should immediately contact 104 Helpline.
Principal secretary (health and family welfare) Anurag Aggarwal apprised the cabinet of the situation and steps to be taken in the coming days.
Cinema halls, gyms and swimming pools in the state have been closed since the March 14 midnight till further orders.
The cabinet left the decision on the closure of malls and marriage palaces to the group of ministers.