Punjab Government further extends reopening of government and private colleges and universities

In the wake of coronavirus outbreak, the Punjab Government has extended the closure of all the government and private colleges and universities till May 17. The Higher Education Secretary, Rahul Bhandari has issued an order to close all the private, government universities, colleges, keeping in view the threat of coronavirus (COVID-19). The order comes after the Punjab government extended the lockdown period for two weeks. The total number of coronavirus cases in Punjab has crossed 1000. Meanwhile, the coronavirus testing capacity has risen exponentially to double in 1 week. The Punjab Government on Saturday completed a milestone in its fight against coronavirus, with the total number of RT-PCR tests crossing the 20,000 mark. Meanwhile, the state has geared up to add more lab and testing facilities in the days ahead. Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Saturday reviewed the Exit Strategy Report for coronavirus in Cabinet Meeting. The Chief Minister said that "we will ensure that while Punjab gradually eases restrictions to restore economic activity, Govt will continue to ensure proper adherence to health safeguards & SoPs & increase testing, especially in hotspots. Also read | Ferozepur reports first death due to COVID-19; confirmed cases in Punjab cross 1000 It has also been decided to ramp up the testing capacity of Punjab to 6000 tests per day by mid of May. "We are also working to secure proper rapid testing kits for greater community surveillance in the battle against coronavirus, Captain Amarinder Singh said. -PTC News