Night curfew, double fine from December 1 � Here�re new COVID-19 preventive measures issued in Punjab

25-Nov-2020

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday issued a slew of new restrictions to prevent the surge in COVID-19 cases in the state. From December 1, 2020, night curfew will be imposed in all towns and cities of Punjab from 10 pm to 5 am. The Punjab CM has further doubled the fine for flouting COVID-19 norms like not wearing a mask or not maintaining social distancing to Rs 1,000. Hotels, restaurants, marriage places in the state will have to close their business at 9:30 pm. All curbs will be reviewed on December 15. The decision has bee taken amid apprehension of a second wave of coronavirus infections. The Punjab Chief Minister has reportedly directed Chief Secretary Vini Mahajan to consult with the concerned departments to persuade more private hospitals to set aside beds for COVID-19 patients. He has further asked for regular testing of potential super spreaders. The CM has also asked the Health and Medical Education Departments to make emergency recruitment of super-specialists, specialists, nurses, and paramedics to increase the workforce. Notably, 249 specialist doctors and 407 medical officers were appointed recently. Amarinder Singh also warned people in Punjab against letting their guard down under the given circumstances. Keeping in mind the arrival of patients from Delhi for treatment in Punjab, it has been decided in a high-level COVID-19 review meeting that the availability of beds in the state�s private hospitals will be reviewed. The Congress leader said that in order to ensure that no deaths occur in home isolation, the agency hired for such cases should watch these patients closely. "While mortality audit was ongoing, it was a matter of satisfaction that the Department was now collecting reasons for placing patients on a ventilator by private hospitals, and there was a referral group available to monitor these patients," he added.