Punjab Government on Tuesday issued new Covid-19 restrictions, which will be imposed from 8th February, 2022. The order, issued by Principal Secretary Anurag Verma, said the fresh restrictions will be imposed, taking into consideration the consequences that the new Covid variant– Omicron– is enforcing.
In exercise of the powers conferred under section 2 of the Epidemic Disease Act, 1897, read with all other enabling provisions of Disaster Management Act, 2005, in supersession of all previous instructions on the subject, following restrictions shall be enforced from 02-02-2022 to 08-02-2022:-
1. Social distancing and wearing of masks
a) Wearing of masks by all persons in public places, including workplaces etc. will be mandatory and must be strictly observed and enforced.
b) Social distancing i.e minimum 6 feet distance (do gaz ki duri) for all the activities shall always be maintained.
2. Movement of persons – night curfew (10.00 p.m. to 5.00 a.m.)
Movement of individuals for all the non-essential activities shall remain prohibited between 10.00 p.m. to 5.00 a.m. within municipal limits of all the cities and towns of Punjab. The district authorities are accordingly asked to issue prohibitory orders under section 144 of Cr. PC and ensure strict compliance.
3. Gatherings
Gatherings shall be limited to 500 persons indoors and 1000 persons outdoors. This shall also be subject to an upper limit of 50% of the capacity of the venue. These gatherings will be subject to compliance of COVID appropriate behavior.
4. Online teaching/distance learning to be encouraged
All schools, colleges, universities, coaching institutions etc. shall remain closed. However, these institutions are expected to maintain the academic schedule through online teaching. However, medical and nursing colleges may continue to function normally.
5. Prohibited/Restricted activities
a) All bars, cinemas halls, multiplexes, malls, restaurants, spas,gyms, sports complexes,museums, zoos etc. shall be allowed to operate at 50% of their capacity subject to all staff present being fully vaccinated.
b) AC buses will run at 50% of capacity.
6. Principle of No Mask
No Service No Service shall be provided in Government or private offices to the persons not wearing a proper mask.
7. Only passengers who are fully vaccinated, or Covid recovered or with negative RTPCR report of less than 72 hrs shall be allowed entry in Punjab. In case a passenger doesn't have either of these, RAT testing shall be mandatory. Passengers travelling by flights shall be mandatorily required to be fully vaccinated, or Covid recovered, or with negative RTPCR reports of last 72 hrs.
8. Persons with disabilities and pregnant women employees shall be exempted from attending office but are required to work from home.
9. District Administrations as well as Managements of all Schools, Colleges, Universities etc. (Government as well as Private) shall make all efforts to get youth/students in the age group of 15 - 18 years vaccinated.