NewsGate Press Network

Amid apprehensions of community spread of COVID-19, the Punjab Government on Friday decided to extend the curfew in the state becoming the second state in India after Odisha to extend the lockdown till 30 April 2020.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Council of Ministers, chaired by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, to check community spread of the pandemic and to prevent overcrowding at the Mandis in the light of the ensuing wheat harvesting/procurement season.

A spokesperson of Punjab CM said that Captain Amarinder will convey the decision to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow Saturday 11 April 2020 during video conference with the chief ministers.

Citing the grim projections about the spread of the pandemic in the coming weeks, the Punjab CM said the curfew restrictions were essential so that the medical infrastructure is not burdened beyond its capabilities.

There was general consensus in the medical community that the lockdown curbs would only delay the spread of the disease, he said, hoping that some medication/cure would be found soon.

On a proposal by the Chief Minister, the Council of Ministers also decided to set up a multi-disciplinary task force to formulate an exit strategy for gradual relaxation of curfew/lockdown.

The task force will submit its report within 10 days.

The task force will about 15 members representing trade, business, industry, agriculture, civil society and health care professionals.

The Cabinet also approved establishment of a high-powered committee to suggest a road map for State’s economic revival in post-COVID era once the crisis softens and normal working is restored.