Punjab likely to extend curbs beyond May 3

Rajmeet Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 16

As the state government is going for isolating hotspots and mass testing, it is likely to extend curfew beyond May 3. Restrictions will be lifted in a phased manner, as per the guidelines issued by the Centre.

Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has hinted that the state will wait till May 3 for instructions from the Centre, while officials deliberate on a situation that does not call for complete withdrawal of restrictions on May 3.

Officials say that as the official machinery, farmers, labourers and arhtiyas are engaged in a mammoth exercise of harvesting and procurement of wheat — which will continue till June 15 — staggered restrictions in urban areas could continue till June.

“Panchayats have lifted self-imposed curfew in villages in view of wheat procurement. Some industries in industrial zones and non-urban areas have been allowed to operate. The government may allow some more industries to start operations depending on the need,” a government functionary said.

Sources say the state will be ready with an exit plan well before May 3. The Chief Minister has indicated that an expert committee report on staggered exit from the five-week lockdown was expected in 10 days.

The Chief Minister has already indicated that there is no option, but to continue with stringent restrictions, given the threat of the pandemic spiraling out of control. But he admitted that the lockdown would not continue till September, which is when experts claim that the Covid curve is expected to flatten in India.

It has been pointed out that factors such as the likely trajectory of the epidemic over the next few weeks, capacity to build up an effective and responsive healthcare system to deal with the epidemic in a short period, impact of the lockdown on the economy and financial system, and ability to support poor sections in the event of continued or partial lockdown would be the key in deciding the future course of action.