Punjab Govt Enforces Stricter Lockdown on Weekends, Public Holidays; E-pass Mandatory

As a result, all other citizens barring medical staff and essential service providers will be required to download an e-pass from the state government's COVA app.

New Delhi: The Punjab government on Thursday tightened the lockdown guidelines on weekends and public holidays to limit the spread of the deadly coronavirus infection, permitting travel only to those in essential services and e-pass holders.

As a result, all other citizens barring medical staff and essential service providers will be required to download an e-pass from the state government’s COVA app.

The latest order comes after several reports came up of people flouting safety guidelines while under home quarantine at a time when the deadly pandemic is still on the rise.

“On average, 500-800 vehicles are coming to Punjab from the national capital every day. A decision on stricter curbs on those coming from Delhi will be taken after a review by the experts,” a statement from Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh’s office.

Notably, Punjab has reported at least 82 new cases and 3 more deaths due to COVID-19 infection, taking the state’s total tally to 2,887. Meanwhile, the death toll in the state stands at 59.