The Covid-19 pandemic is growing at a faster pace in India. COVID-19 Pandemic has posed a huge challenge to the community and affected each and every individual adversely. 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 in force from 26-1-2022 to 1-2-2022:-
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.)
No changes have been made in the timings of the night curfew. 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 restricted to not more than 300 persons (Indoors as well as outdoors) subject to an upper limit of 50% of the capacity. These gatherings will be subject to compliance with COVID appropriate behavior. Previous guidelines were issued on January 4, no guidelines were issued regarding mass gatherings.
4. Online teaching/distance learning to be encouraged
No changes have been made in this. 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.
Earlier, gyms were excluded, but now, they can operate at 50% capacity.
b) AC buses will run at 50% of capacity.
6. Principle of No Mask
No Service shall be provided in Government or private offices to the persons not wearing a proper mask.
Other guidelines include:
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 traveling by flights shall be mandatorily required to be fully vaccinated, or Covid recovered, or with negative RTPCR reports of the last 72 hrs.
Persons with disabilities and pregnant women employees shall be exempted from attending office but are required to work from home.