‘No Relaxations’: Punjab Becomes First State to Clamp Curfew to Fight COVID-19

Chandigarh: After arriving at the discovery that few people were paying heed to the lockdown call, the Punjab government on Monday clamped a curfew to fight coronavirus, making it the first state to take the drastic measure.

In a video message, chief minister Amarinder Singh said he was forced to take the step “in the larger interest of the state, and in the interest of all of you.”

He called the violation of the lockdown, which will last up to March 31, unacceptable and said it was his duty as the state’s head to save Punjab .

The tough measure was followed by an announcement on relief measures, including food and medicines for the poor. The last dates for paying power and water bills and clearing farm loans too have been extended.

The Punjab government had on Sunday announced a lockdown to check the spread of coronavirus in the state. Punjab reported 21 coronavirus cases till Monday morning.

Initial reports in the morning from several places, including Amritsar, Moga and Ludhiana, said people were assembling at markets despite the lockdown order.

Police officials made announcements in these shopping areas, asking people not to gather and warning them of strict action.

The chief minister had on Sunday appealed to people to follow health safeguards and avoid leaving their homes unless there was an emergency.

The wire