Becoming the second State after Odisha to extend the 21-day Covid-19 lockdown, the Punjab Government on Friday said the lockdown will remain in force till May 1, amid rising number of coronavirus cases and Chief Minister Amarinder Singh apprehending the State might be moving towards the community transmission stage of the outbreak.
The CM said in a tweet, “Given the seriousness of the situation arising out of #Covid19, Cabinet has decided to extend lockdown & curfew till 1st May. These are difficult times & I appeal to all to #StayHomeStaySafe & strictly observe health safeguards as you have done so far, for which I am thankful.”
Punjab was the first State in the country that had clamped curfew on March 23 to check the spread of the coronavirus. The State has seen a spike in the number of coronavirus cases, pushing the total count to 151 with 11 deaths till Friday.
On Friday, 21 fresh cases were reported from the state.
The State Cabinet approved establishment of a high-powered committee to suggest a roadmap for the State’s economic revival in post-COVID-19 period. An official release quoting Amarinder Singh said he will request former Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia to head the committee.
The council of ministers also resolved to urge upon the Centre to establish an Advance Centre of Virology in Punjab with an anticipated investment of Rs 500 crore. The state government will offer land free of cost for the project, it decided.