Punjab Covid graph may hit 1 lakh mark by Sept 15: Capt

Appeals to political parties to avoid protests; says organisers of such gatherings will be arrested for putting people’s lives at risk

CHANDIGARH : Cautioning people about following the movement restrictions strictly, chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday said projections by experts reveal that Covid-19 cases in Punjab are likely to cross the grim milestone of 1 lakh if the state continued with its present rate of infection.

“At this rate, cases may go up to 64,000 by September 3 and cross 1 lakh by September 15. Deaths will also increase with experts estimating over 1,500 fatalities by the first week of September,” the CM said during his weekly Facebook interaction programme ‘#Askcaptain’.

Hoping that the people will listen to him and take due precautions, he added, “We don’t have to let Punjab go the way the United States did,” he added.

Stressing that testing and timely treatment was the key to curbing the pandemic spread, Amarinder said it was important for people to report symptoms to hospitals within 72 hours of their onset.

“I appeal to all political parties to avoid gatherings, including protests and dharnas. In case of any violation of Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CRPC), the organisers putting people’s lives at risk will be

Unfortunately, people are taking things lightly now, forcing the government to take harsh measures, some of which were announced yesterday. CAPT AMARINDER SINGH , Punjab chief minister

arrested,” he warned.

The chief minister also requested the religious and community leaders to ask their followers to take all precautions and not violate the restrictions in the interests of the state and its people. He also directed the police to strictly enforce the prescribed number of people in gatherings and social distancing at marriage and bhog ceremonies.

“Unfortunately, people are taking things lightly now, forcing

the government to take harsh measures, some of which were announced yesterday. We can imagine the situation as 3,000-6,000 people are being challaned daily for not wearing

masks,” said the CM.

In response to a question from a Ludhiana resident, Amarinder categorically denied receiving any money from the central government for the Covid-19 fight.