No weekend curfew in Chandigarh

Authorities to enforce strict social distancing norms in city

CHANDIGARH: Despite a sharp spike in Covid-19 cases over the last fortnight, the UT administration has once again stepped back from imposing a weekend curfew in the city and will not be restricting crowds at public places such as the Sukhna Lake.

Both the proposals were under consideration for some time, but during the war room review chaired by Punjab governor and UT administrator VPS Badnore on Wednesday, decisions were taken to identify micro-containment zones across the city and depute more officials at public places for stricter enforcement of social distancing.

The city has seen a jump in Covid-19 cases this month, with 29 people reported positive on Wednesday, taking the count to 780. On putting off weekend curfew plans, UT adviser Manoj Parida said, “The proposal was discussed with doctors, officers, traders associations and political leaders. Doctors were of the opinion that a two-day curfew would not help break the chain as the incubation period of the virus was of five days. Traders were also not in its favour as it would impact businesses.” Also, with Raksha Bandan being celebrated on Monday, shutting down the city on Saturday and Sunday did not make sense, Parida added.

Badnore at the meeting stressed on strict implementation

of social distancing and mask wearing in public places, screening at the borders and strict action against those violating curfew orders from 10pm to 5 am.

Markets where major violations were found would be closed for safety of residents, the administrator warned. Micro-containment would also be created where 14-day perimeter control would be done instead of 28 days as done previously, following the advice of the Affected Area Committee. Also, instead of declaring entire localities or colonies as containment zones, only affected houses would be sealed, it was learnt