In view of rising coronavirus cases, the Punjab government will from Friday impose a weekend lockdown in all 167 cities and towns in the state. Also, the night curfew period has been increased by two hours in the state. Earlier, the weekend lockdown was in force only in Punjab’s three cities Jalandhar, Ludhiana, and Patiala. As per the new measures, the night curfew will be imposed from 7 pm till 5 am instead of the earlier 9 pm to 5 am in all cities and towns in Punjab.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has ordered a total ban on all gatherings, except funerals and weddings, across the state till August 31. Furthermore, the government and private offices across the state will work at 50 per cent capacity till August-end. During a video conference with officials to review the COVID-19 situation in Punjab, the CM sought a “war-like preparedness”. Also, Singh has imposed restrictions on vehicular capacity in five districts - Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Patiala and Mohali. No more than three passengers are allowed in each private four-wheeler. At present, these five districts account for 80 per cent of the active caseload in Punjab.