Punjab on Wednesday announced extension of curfew in the State for another two weeks till May 17. Announcing limited relief in non-containment areas and non-red zones from Thursday, the State Government has allowed opening of shops by rotation for four hours every morning from 7 to 11.

Announcing this in an address to the people of the State, Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh unveiled steps for limited lifting of lockdown restrictions, from Thursday, in non-containment and non-red zones with strict adherence to Covid-19 safety protocols.

“It is necessary to continue with the lockdown restrictions for some more time,” said the Chief Minister, taking into account the report of Expert Committee set up to formulate the state’s exit strategy, and the inputs received from various sections of the society.

The curfew or lockdown in Punjab will now remain in force till May 17, though limited easing of restrictions will be in place from Thursday from 7 am to 11 am every day. However, the containment and red zones will continue to remain under total and strict lockdown.

“The situation will be reviewed after two weeks and further relaxations will be announced thereafter if the pandemic remains in control,” he said.

As per the limited relief announced by the Chief Minister, certain shops will be allowed to remain open in certain areas by rotation, for four hours every morning, with 50 percent staff strength. The Deputy Commissioners have been directed to work out rotational schedule for the shops that are allowed to be opened in line with the Chief Minister’s directives, which have come four days after the new Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines came into effect.

The lockdown or curfew will remain in place after 11 am, as usual, said the Chief Minister, appealing to the people to be back in their homes by that time, and continue to maintain social distancing.

“All those stepping out during the relaxation period would have to wear masks and maintain a two meters distance from others,” he said, adding that the relief has been provided only for the people’s convenience and should not be used for interactions with friends etc.

If the situation improves after two weeks, we can take more steps, he added.

The limited relaxations announced by the Chief Minister from tomorrow include permission for opening of all registered shops, except those in multi-brand and single-brand malls, with 50 percent strength of workers from 7 am to 11 am.

In urban areas, all stand-alone shops, neighbourhood shops and shops in residential complexes are allowed to open during this period, as per new directives, which make it clear, however, that establishments dealing in services like saloons, barber shops etc would continue to remain closed.

Further, e-Commerce companies will continue to be permitted to deal in essential goods only during this period.

Expressing the government’s keenness to open up the industry, the Chief Minister urged all those who could accommodate workers or had workers staying in the vicinity to start opening up, in order to help revive the state’s battered economy.

“While various experts are coming out with different opinions, there seemed to be an indication that coronavirus crisis could continue till July or August, or even September,” said Capt Amarinder, terming it a long-drawn battle.