After reviewing the situation in the state, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh announced the imposition of curfew across the state thereby making Punjab the first state to undertake such a drastic step in combating COVID-19 virus.
As of now, the curfew that is come into effect on Monday, 23rd of March will be in effect until the 31st of March. The decision to extend the curfew will be taken upon investigating the situation in the future. Amarinder Singh, the Chief Minister of Punjab, announced the decision after consulting the Chief Secretary and the Deputy General of Police.
A senior official spoke to the media and said that the measure is taken to restrict the mobility of people who were defying orders from the authorities until Monday morning. The idea is to keep everyone inside, the official said.
The Deputy Commissioners of the respective jurisdiction have been notified to take necessary orders. The official also further said that anyone seeking relaxation on the restriction will be punished under the law.
Soon after the announcement of the state-wide curfew, police were seen asking shops and vendors to close the shutters down. The general public, in panic, were seen flocking the stores to buy essential commodities.
Corona Continues to Create Havoc
As on Monday, Punjab has confirmed 21 cases of coronavirus out of which 20 are still active and one unfortunate death. The total number of cases in the country is at a tally of 440 with 409 active cases. Maharashtra is the worst affected state with 89 cases followed by Kerala with 67 cases.
The coronavirus has so far affected 193 countries, infecting over 340,000 and taking lives of 14,923. While China is recovering gradually, Italy continues to be in total despair with over 59,000 confirmed cases.
Earlier today, an official from the Union Home Ministry addressed the media and announced the lockdown of the cities and districts where the COVID-19 cases are confirmed. This is a never-heard-before move by the government which is an attempt to stop the outbreak to reach the Stage-3. Meanwhile, according to a few medical professionals, India has already reached stage-3.
