This time around, the Chief Minister of Punjab, CaptainAmarinder Singh has been releasing COVID restrictions, updates, andclarifications at such a fast pace that this has left the common man and womanin confusion.
To be fair, the ongoing second wave of the pandemic has beena tough nut to crack, and the state government, like the central government,has a very tough balancing act to perform – containing COVID and not haltingeconomy with lockdown.
Perusing the latest notice from the Punjab Government, therestrictions are presented in an easy-to-understand question-answer form:
Q1: Till how long is the lockdown?
A: The restrictions are till May 15, 2021 i.e. just ten daysmore
Q2: I need to go to market, which shops are open?
A: Good question. The government has allowed shops sellingessential items to open.
Now, as per the current definition of essential items, thefollowing shops are permitted to open:
· Chemist
· Essential goods like milk, bread, vegetables,fruits, dairy, poultry, eggs, meat, mobile repair
· Laboratories
· Nursing homes
· All other medical establishments
Further some shops which are non-essential have beenpermitted too. These are:
· Shops selling fertilizers, seed, insecticides,pesticides, agriculture machinery, agriculture / horticulture implements, etc.
· Kirana and grocery shops including PublicDistribution System (PDS) shops.
· Retail and wholesale liquor vends (but ahatasnot to open).
· Shops selling industrial materials, hardwareitems, tools, motors, pipes, etc.
Q3: What about weekly markets like apnimandis?
A: Closed.
Q4: Are schools open?
A: No, all schools and colleges expect medical and nursingcolleges are closed.
Q5: What about my IELTS classes?
A: They are closed because they come under coaching centres.Your coaching centre may provide online classes.
Q6: I want to relax and rejuvenate, what aboutentertainment and fitness?
A: Venues providing these facilities are closed.Specifically, the following are closed:
· Bars
· Cinema halls
· Gyms
· Spas
· Swimming pools
· Coaching centres
· Sports complexes
Q7: I want to eat out, what options do I have?
A: Dine-in not allowed at restaurants (including hotels),cafes, coffee shops, fast food outlets, dhabas, etc. Also, no sitting insidethese establishments.
Take-away food is also not allowed.
And home delivery too is an option. Home delivery ispermitted till 9 pm.
Q8: I am outside Punjab, but I need to enter, what to do?
A: No matter you are coming by road, railways, or air, youneed to present one of the following documents:
· Negative COVID report not more than 72 hourslate
· OR vaccination certificate (at least one dose)over 2 weeks old
However, if you are travelling within Punjab, you don’trequire any documentation.
Q9: I have some work in a bank or government office, arethey open?
A: Yes, banks and government offices are open but they areworking at 50% staff, so expect delay in getting your work done.
Q10: I want to travel by two-wheeler or four-wheeler, anyrestrictions here?
A: All four-wheeler passenger vehicles including cars andtaxis to seat no more than 2 passengers.
On two-wheelers (scooters, motorcycles) you may not have anypillion rider unless that person is family member and lives in the same house.
Q11: We have a function (wedding, cremation, funeral),any limit on the number of attendees?
A: Yes, no more than 10 people.
Q12: I need to get fruits and vegetables, what aboutSabzi Mandis?
A: Sabzi Mandis are open, though only to fruit and vegetablewholesalers. You will have to follow social distancing.
Q13: I need to pray at a religious place of worship(Church, Gurudwara, Manidr, Masjid, etc), what to do?
A: You may do so but the place of the worship will close at6 pm every day.
Q14: What are the timings of night curfew?
A: From Monday through Friday night curfew is from 6 pm to 5am. Weekend curfew is from Friday 6 pm to Monday 5 am.
During curfew whether weekend or otherwise, no vehicle is toply except for medical purposes with curfew pass.
Q15: I want to use public transport (bus, taxi, auto),what to expect?
A: Restricted to 50% capacity.
Q16: We are planning to have a gathering?
A: No, as all social, cultural, sports gatherings andrelated functions are banned. However, if the Deputy Commissioner permits inadvance, then you may proceed.
Q17: I visited a large gathering, what’s for me?
A: Persons who have attended large gatherings anywhere(religious/ political/social) to be mandatorily home quarantined for 5 days andtested as per protocol.
Q18: What about my recruitment exams?
A: Postponed, unless the recruitment is of COVID managementrelated.
Q19: I work in a service industry in a private office(like architect, chartered accountant, insurance company, etc), what’s for me?
A: The physical office will remain closed and you may only‘Work from Home’.
Q20: What about government offices?
A: In Government ofices– Health/ frontline workers and employees over 45 years who have not got atleast one vaccine dose in last 15 days or more, should be encouraged to takeleave and stay home until then.
Employees under 45 years to be allowed only on basis ofnegative RT-PCR not more than 5 days old or else should take leave and stayhome.
Q21: Finally, what about COVID-appropriate behaviour?
A: Yes, those continue to be active including the rules for:
· social distancing of minimum 6 feet
· regulating crowds in market places and publictransport
· wearing face masks
· no spitting in public places
· etc
You may expect penalties for the violation for the same.
It is a reminder that these rules stand valid at the time ofwriting, you may check Punjabpage on True Scoop News for all latest updates and rules.