Punjab makes COVID certificate mandatory for Delhi entrants; issues 'weekend' guidelines

As Coronavirus tally in country reached 3 lakhs, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has ordered stricter lockdown on weekends and public holidays. Issuing a tice, Punjab government stated that people will be required to download e-passes from COVA app for movement on weekends and holidays. Moreover, n-essential shops and inter-district movement have also been restricted. 

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However, it said that medical staff, essential service providers are exempted and industries will function as usual. government also said that those entering state from Delhi - where cases are spiralling will have to produce a mandatory testing certificate. CM also directed DGP to ensure strict implementation of home quarantine rule.

READ | Punjab allows distribution of prasad at religious places despite Centre prohibiting it

Centre vs state on reopening of religious places

As India reopened religious places in Unlock 1, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh allowed distribution of 'prasad' and 'langar' even as Centre's SOP prohibited it. Issuing a new set of guidelines, Punjab government allowed community kitchens (langar) and serving of prasad at religious places. CM Singh opined that re should t be any interference with customs and practices of any religion.

However, in an attempt to minimise risk of COVID-19 spread,  Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in its SOP had clearly mentioned that religious places in containment zones must remain shut, and re will be physical offerings like Prasad, distribution of holy water.

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Coronavirus in Punjab

total Coronavirus tally in state has gone up to 2986 after 99 more tested positive on Friday. death toll in state so far is at 63. total number of cured cases in state stands at 2,282.

As per Punjab government's health bulletin, Amritsar has reported maximum number of fresh cases on Friday at 63, followed by 12 in Ludhiana, five each in Sangrur and Rupnagar, 3 each in Mohali and Jalandhar, 2 each in SBS Nagar, Hoshiarpur and Fazilka, and 1 each in Barnala and Ferozepur.

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