Punjab COVID Restrictions

As Covid-19 cases continue to surge rapidly across the country, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday ordered stricter restrictions across the state beginning Tuesday, April 20.

According to the fresh restrictions, night curfew timings have been extended from 8 pm to 5 am, and all bars, cinema halls, gyms, spas, coaching centres and sports complexes will remain closed across all districts. Restaurants and hotels will be open only for takeaway and home delivery from Monday to Saturday.

• The new restrictions will remain in effect till April 30, announced the chief minister.
• The state government also reduced rates of RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) Covid-19 testing with private labs to Rs. 450 and Rs. 300 respectively (with additional charges for home collection of the samples).
• Gatherings of more than 20 persons, including for weddings/cremations, have also been prohibited across the state, with prior approval of the district administration needed for all gatherings of more than 10 persons, except for cremation.
• Along with the restrictions imposed earlier, all malls, shops and markets across the state also will remain closed on Sunday. All weekly markets have also ordered to be shut down.
• The chief minister also said that those who had attended any large gathering (religious/political/social) will be mandatorily home quarantined for 5 days and tested as per protocol. 
• He directed the state transport department to restrict the number of people in buses/taxis and autos to 50% of the capacity. Singh also directed Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) testing booths to be set up at bus stands and railway stations and get all passengers checked.
• The chief minister also ordered the postponement of the recruitment exams for Patwaris and directed for Medical Education department to hold online examinations for 1st, 2nd and 3rd year MBBS/BDS/BAMS and 1st year Nursing students.
• The 104 Helpline will also be made functional 24X7 to provide information on bed availability in government and private hospitals.