Capt: Can’t afford to ease restrictions

Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, April 11

Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Saturday recommended extension of the national lockdown by at least a fortnight, while suggesting a slew of health and relief measures to the people in the Covid-19 battle, in addition to seeking concessions for industry and agriculture sectors on an urgent basis.

‘Scale up testing’

Underlining the need to substantially increase the number of tests being done and go for rapid testing, at least in the state’s hotspot areas of Nawanshahr, Dera Bassi and Mohali, the CM said the Centre should hasten the supply of testing kits. He also asked for early permission for testing in DMC and CMC, Ludhiana.

Participating in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s videoconference with all chief ministers, Capt Amarinder pointed out that there was uncertainty about the likely incidence of disease and the nation was in for a long fight. Given the trend in China and several European countries, it was necessary to continue the lockdown, he said, adding that though the restrictions were causing a lot of hardships to the people, India could not afford to take any chances. “The people of Punjab have a high morale, and will continue to support government efforts to combat the pandemic,” he added.

Capt Amarinder informed the meeting that the state had already decided to go for curfew/complete lockdown till May 1, with all educational institutions to be closed till June 30, with state board examinations also deferred till further orders. Section 144 remains in place, along with prohibition of public service vehicles till May 1.

Pointing to the excellent work being done by these people in the current crisis, Capt Amarinder sought special risk insurance for all government employees.