Punjab extends Covid curbs till June 15, goes for graded unlock

CHANDIGARH: Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday ordered the extension of Covid-19 restrictions in the state till June 15 with certain relaxations, allowing opening of shops till 6 pm and private offices to function at 50% strength.

Night curfew will remain in force from 7pm to 6am on weekdays, including Saturday, but regular weekend curfew will continue on Sunday, the chief minister said.

With case positivity declining to 3.2% and active cases also coming down, the chief minister allowed gatherings up to 20 people, including weddings and cremations. Entry restrictions (negative Covid test/vaccination) for arrivals in the state have also been done away with.

Recruitment exams will be allowed to be held subject to adherence to social distancing and other Covid-appropriate

norms, though the chief minister said online mode should be preferred. Sports training for national and international events has been permitted and the department of sports and youth affairs will issue guidelines.

Gyms, restaurants can be opened after a week Reviewing the Covid situation virtually, with ministers, senior police and administrative officials and health experts, the chief minister said the district administration may determine opening of non-essential shops,

including on the weekends, on the basis of local situation, while ensuring that crowding is avoided. On government offices, he said that attendance can be decided by the head of the concerned office but co-morbid/disabled employees at risk may be exempted.

Gyms and restaurants can be opened after a week with 50% attendance if the situation improves further. Owners and workers of the gyms and restaurants should get themselves vaccinated before the reopening, he said.