Punjab CM to consider expert committee advice to lift lockdown
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday said that he would go by the advice of the Expert Committee to formulate Punjab’s lockdown exit strategy in the matter of opening up the state.
During a webinar with the leading industrialists, economic experts, and diplomats/ambassadors of various countries, the Chief Minister said that any decision on lifting the lockdown/curfew would be taken on the basis of recommendations of the 20-member Expert Committee, which is expected to submit its report by Saturday.
The Chief Minister said that his priority was saving the lives of Punjabis. He added that the factories can be restarted but we can’t get people back, he said. If the Expert Committee, which includes medical experts and doctors, recommends opening up the lockdown either partially or completely, we will do so, he said. He also made it clear that the health of the people was the priority, even though the state government was aware that the lockdown could not be kept in place indefinitely.
While pointing out that Punjab had witnessed three peaks in the coronavirus curve in the past 40 days, the Chief Minister said that it may not be possible to lift the lockdown completely for some more time. However, the state will examine the recommendations of the Expert Committee and the prevailing ground situation arising out of the coronavirus.
Also Read | Centre allows selective shops to open; Punjab yet to decide
In Punjab, of the 22 districts, 5 are currently in Green Zone. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also scheduled to consult with the chief ministers of all states on the issue of lifting the lockdown through a video conference on Monday.
PTC News
