More on Covid-19

CHANDIGARH: To contain the coronavirus outbreak, the Punjab government on Thursday decided to stop operation of all public transport – buses, tempos, auto rickshaws – from Friday midnight.The decision was taken in the meeting of a group of ministers under the chairmanship of Brahm Mohindra, local bodies minister. All the shopping complexes, malls, museums and local weekly kisan mandis across the state will also remain close till March 31.During the meeting, it was decided not to allow public gatherings of more than 20 persons.Hotels, marriage palaces, outdoor and indoor dining and banquets will also remain closed. The government has allowed home delivery service and takeaways. Public dealing in government offices has been restricted.The board examination for the Class X and Class XII have been postponed till March 31.The health department will start stamping people put under home surveillance. Deputy commissioners and SSP’s have been asked to remain in their respective districts to ensure that the directions are enforced in letter and spirit.At present 2200 quarantine beds are ready throughout the state, besides 250 ventilators in private sector hospitals, whereas 20 ventilators are ready each in Government Medical College in Amritsar and Patiala.Punjab police on Thursday launched COVID-19 door-to-door awareness drive in Amritsar Rural district.