Punjab to impose fresh curbs from March amid Covid surge

In Punjab, fresh restrictions will be imposed in the state from March 1 after surge in Covid cases. According to the new rules, the number of people allowed in indoor gatherings will be capped at 100, while for outdoor gatherings it will be kept at 200. Strict enforcement of Covid-19 appropriate behaviour such as wearing masks and social distancing has to be followed, Chief Minister Amrinder Singh said that testing in the state will be ramped up to 30,000 a day. At least 15 contacts should be tested per positive case, he said, and ordered strict monitoring by Covid Patient Tracking Officers (CPTOs) and review by the health department.

Singh also authorised the district collectors to impose night curfews in hotspots in their areas and also said a decision on reducing occupancy in cinema halls will be taken after March 1. "Private offices and restaurants shall be encouraged to display last tests done for all employees," he said. CM also directed the health department to plan for and strategise the roll-out of vaccines for the elderly and those with comorbidities. According to health secretary Hussan Lal said that Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Patiala, SAS Nagar and SBS Nagar had shown a spike in positivity in recent days, triggering concerns of a possible fresh Covid wave in the state.