The return of the natives to Punjab from Rajasthan and Nanded in Maharashtra has led to curfew extension by another 14 days in the State till May 17. As pilgrims and students continue to pour in from both the States, the Punjab Government was on Wednesday virtually left with no alternative but to extend the restrictions in movement for another two weeks.
The State Government, only a day before, made 21-day State quarantine mandatory for all those returning to the State from other places to check further spread of Covid-19. Out of the approximately 2,500 returnees, 35 from Nanded and four from Kota have been tested positive so far, and it’s still counting. As per Government sources, “10 per cent from Nanded are positive till now”.
“Out of the total 33 cases tested positive today, 24 are those who have returned from Nanded Sahib while four are from Kota in Rajasthan. Yesterday, 11 Nanded returnees were tested positive,” a senior Government official told The Pioneer, requesting anonymity.
Referring to the situation after return of large number of Punjabis stranded in other States due to lockdown, the CM on Wednesday said that it was his Government’s duty to bring them back but they would have to be quarantined for 21 days.
