Punjab extends Covid curbs till April 10; weekly RT-PCR for those not opting for vaccine

CM said said all restrictions that were in place till March 31 will now remain in force till April 10

As Covid cases and deaths continue to rise, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Tuesday ordered extension of curbs in the state till April 10 and directed officials to increase the number of vaccination sites to target the priority categories on an urgent basis.

Reviewing the Covid situation with top officials, the Chief Minister said all restrictions that were in place till March 31 will now remain in force till April 10, after which they would be again reviewed.

On March 19, Singh had ordered massive state-wide restrictions, including closure of educational institutions till March 31 and curbs on cinema hall and mall capacities.

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All districts have also been advised to motivate all healthcare and frontline workers to get themselves vaccinated and those who do not get vaccinated, should be strictly directed to undergo Covid testing every week.

Singh noted that the latest data showed that the UK strain of the virus was the most prevalent in the state.

The meeting was informed that the positive cases and deaths were rising rapidly in some of the districts and expected to peak around April 6.

Director General of Police Dinkar Gupta said 90,360 persons had been challaned and tested for Covid after they were found to be violating the health protocols in place.