The Punjab Government on Tuesday released Covid guidelines before Punjab elections 2022. The order, issued by Principal Secretary Anurag Verma, said the fresh restrictions will be imposed, taking into consideration the consequences related to coronavirus.
In exercise of the powers conferred under section 2 of the Epidemic Disease Act, 1897, read with all other enabling provisions of Disaster Management Act, 2005, in supersession of all previous instructions on the subject, following restrictions shall be in force from 16-02-2022 to 25-02-2022:-
1. Social distancing and wearing of masks
a) Wearing of masks by all persons in public places, including workplaces, etc. will be mandatory and must be strictly observed and enforced.
b) Social distancing i.e minimum 6 feet distance (do gaz ki duri) for all the activities shall always be maintained.
2. Gatherings
Gatherings will be allowed up to a maximum of 50% of the capacity of the venue. These gatherings will be subject to compliance with COVID appropriate behavior.
3. Educational Institutions
Universities, Colleges (including Medical and Nursing Colleges), Schools, Polytechnics, ITIs, Coaching Institutions, Libraries and Training Institutes (whether Government or Private) are allowed to open for physical classes while adopting requisite social distancing norms, regular sanitization and Covid-19 appropriate behavioural norms. Concerned institutions may advise all the students of age group more than 15 years to have at least the first dose of vaccination while attending physical classes. Students will have the option to attend online classes.
4. Prohibited/Restricted activities
a) All bars, cinemas halls, multiplexes, malls, restaurants, spas, gyms, sports complexes, museums, zoos, etc. shall be allowed to operate at 75% of their capacity subject to all staff present being fully vaccinated.
b) AC buses will run at 50% of capacity.
5. Principle of No Mask
No Service No Service shall be provided in Government or private offices to the persons not wearing a proper mask.
6. Only passengers who are fully vaccinated, or Covid recovered or with negative RTPCR report of less than 72 hrs shall be allowed entry in Punjab. In case a passenger doesn't have either of these, RAT testing shall be mandatory. Passengers travelling by flights shall be mandatorily required to be fully vaccinated, or Covid recovered, or with negative RTPCR reports of the last 72 hrs.
7. Persons with disabilities and pregnant women employees shall be exempted from attending office but are required to work from home.