DC orders Covid test every 5th day: 45+ employees irked over decision

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, April 21

Office-goers are irked with the district administration for its latest direction making it mandatory for people above 45 years of age to undergo Covid test every fifth day.

Mohit, a private bank employee, said it was tough for employees to stand in queues every fifth day to get tested. He said the move would also cause rush at testing sites.

Another employee Amanpreet Singh said it would add to the pressure they already have by playing double role of a parent and a teacher to their children who are confined to home due to the ongoing second wave. He said all government issued restrictions were hitting middle and lower class families hard.

Deputy Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Khaira, in his latest orders, stated that those having Covid-negative report could travel to their offices. All employees whether government or hailing from private sector could attend their office only after getting vaccinated. Without getting the jab, they must remain inside their houses and work from home.

He also ordered closure of bars, cinema halls, gyms, spas, coaching centres, swimming pool, sports complex and others. People need to take permission for a gathering of 10 persons and only 20 persons are allowed to attend a funeral.

Though the duration of curfew is 8 pm to 5 am, factory workers, tourists and those returning home after work are exempted. Other restrictions include no public transport can board more than 50 per cent passengers of its total capacity. Malls, markets, shops and restaurants will remain closed on Sunday.

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