Punjab extends Covid restrictions till February 1; read details

The Punjab Government has further extended Covid-19 restrictions from January 26 till February 1, 2022. The decision has been taken in exercise of powers conferred under Section 2 of the Epidemic Disease Act, 1897. To contain the spread of Covid-19 in Punjab, the government has made social distancing and wearing of masks by all persons in public places, including workplaces, mandatory. Night curfew will remain in force from 10pm to 5 am. The movement of individuals for all non-essential activities shall remain prohibited within municipal limits of all cities and towns of Punjab during this period. Also read | In R-Day eve address, President urges people not to let guard down as Covid still widespread However, essential activities, including operation of multiple shifts in industry, offices etc. (both government and private), movement of persons and goods on national and state highways and unloading of cargo and travel of persons to their destinations after disembarking from buses, trains and aeroplanes will be permitted. There shall be no restriction on the movement of raw materials, finished goods, personnel etc related to manufacturing of pharmaceutical drugs, including vaccines and medical devices, diagnostic testing kits etc. Gatherings shall be restricted to not more than 300 persons (indoors as well as outdoors) subject to an upper limit of 50% of the capacity. These gatherings will be subject to compliance of Covid-appropriate behavior. Online teaching/distance learning will be encouraged. All schools, colleges, universities, coaching institutions etc. shall remain closed. However, these institutions are expected to maintain the academic schedule through online teaching. However, medical and nursing colleges may continue to function normally. All bars, cinemas halls, multiplexes, malls, restaurants, spas, gyms, sports complexes, museums, zoos etc. shall be allowed to operate at 50% of their capacity subject to all staff present being fully vaccinated. AC buses will run at 50% of capacity. No service shall be provided in government or private offices to the persons not wearing proper mask. Only passengers who are fully vaccinated, or Covid recovered or with negative RTPCR report of less than 72 hrs shall be allowed entry in Punjab. In case a passenger doesn't have either of these, RAT testing shall be mandatory. Passengers travelling by flights shall be mandatorily required to be fully vaccinated, or Covid recovered, or with negative RTPCR reports of last 72 hrs. Also read | Punjab elections 2022: Poll process begins, 12 nominations filed on Day 1 Persons with disabilities and pregnant women employees shall be exempted from attending office, but are required to work from The district authorities have been told to impose additional restrictions as deemed necessary, based on their assessment of the situation, but they will not dilute the above restrictions. -PTC News