Punjab extends lockdown & curfew by 2 weeks; restrictions to be relaxed for 4 hours daily

On Wednesday, Punjab became first state in country to extend lockdown in state post-May 3. Addressing people of Punjab, CM Captain Amarinder Singh anunced that lockdown and curfew in state would be extended by 2 weeks till May 17. This comes even as decision has been taken pertaining to extension of nationwide lockdown. At same time, Singh stated that lockdown would be lifted from 7 am to 11 am every day beginning from April 30.

During this period, people can come out of ir houses and registered shops except in single-brand and multi-brand malls will be allowed to open with 50% worker strength. However, this relaxation would be applicable only to n-containment and n-Red zones. Strict social distancing measures shall have to be followed.

Read: Coronavirus Live Updates: 1543 Cases Reported In Last 24 Hours; Total Cases Soar To 31332

Read: '150 Students Stranded In Kota On ir Way Back To Punjab,' Says CM Capt Amarinder Singh

PM Modi holds video conference with CMs

Currently, re are 31,332 confirmed vel coronavirus cases in India out of which 7,696 persons have recovered while 1007 casualties have been reported. On Monday, PM Modi interacted with Chief Ministers of states to discuss ongoing situation pertaining to COVID-19 crisis and plan ahead. He had held similar interactions with CMs on March 20, April 2 and April 11. Underling that lockdown had yielded positive results saving thousands of lives in last one and a half months, he ted that danger of virus was far from over. He stated that masks and face covers will become a part of everyone's lives in days to come. Furrmore,  PM maintained that it was equally necessary to give importance to ecomy as well. 

Also, he called upon states to direct ir efforts towards converting Red zones into Orange and reafter to Green zones. Regarding issue of evacuating citizens stuck abroad, PM Modi said that this had to be done keeping in mind factors such as ir inconvenience and a potential risk to ir families. He requested CMs to strategise ahead looking at advent of summer and monsoon and illnesses associated with se seasons. Meanwhile, CMs praised leadership of PM during this period of crisis and discussed issues such as keeping a close vigil on international borders, addressing ecomic challenge and boosting health infrastructure. respective CMs also expressed gratitude towards police force and medical professionals for ir exemplary role in fight against COVID-19. 

Read: Pilgrims, Ors Returning To Punjab To Be Quarantined For 21 Days: Amarinder Singh

Read: Punjab CM Amarinder Singh Seeks Centre's d To Allow Sale Of Liquor In 'phased Manner'