In Punjab, the number of COVID-19 cases as on 26th July, 2020 are 13,218 with 4,102 active cases and 306 fatalities. Recently, the Punjab Government has increased the fine amount for COVID 19 patients who violate home isolation to Rs. 5000. It has also announced fines for owners of commercial eating places who violate social distancing norms.
According the new guidelines issued by the Punjab Government on 23rd July, the following
amount of fine will be imposed:
● Rs. 5000 for COVID-19 patients who violate home isolation instructions.
● Rs. 10000 in case of violation of social distancing norms and social gatherings of more than the permitted strength.
● Rs. 5000 on owners of restaurants and commercial eating places in case they violate social distancing measures.
The rationale behind the increased penalties, as told by DGP Dinkar Gupta is instances of violations continue to be reported from across the state, with average daily challans for not wearing masks standing at around 5,000.
These fines are in addition to the already existing fines such as Rs. 500 for not wearing masks in public places, Rs. 200 for violation of home quarantine guidelines and Rs. 500 for spitting at public places.
Under the existing guidelines, for violation of social distancing norms, shops/commercial places are liable to pay Rs. 2000, while for buses and cars such violations are punishable by Rs 3,000 and Rs 2,000 fine respectively, and in the case of auto-rickshaws/2-wheelers, the fine stands at Rs 500.
APPEAL TO RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS, FARMER PROTESTERS
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh appealed to the heads and management of all religious institutions to ensure social distancing restrictions are enforced during visits to religious sites in the state. He also urged them to make regular announcements in this regard through Public Address Systems.
He also reiterated his appeal to the kisan unions not to come out on roads to protest against central government’s anti-farmer ordinances but to defer any such movements to check the spread of COVID.
INSTALLATION OF MASK VENDING MACHINES
The CM has directed for installation of mask vending machines at vantage points such as bus stands, etc.
PLASMA BANKS IN FARIDKOT AND AMRITSAR
Amarinder Singh has asked the Chief Secretary Vini Mahajan and other health experts to work out the modalities for setting up plasma banks in the Government Medical Colleges at Faridkot and Amritsar, in addition to the one at Patiala.
He appealed to all those who’ve recovered from COVID to donate plasma to help those fighting COVID-19. The Chief Secretary informed the meeting that IAS and PCS officers who have recovered are also being encouraged to lead by donating their plasma. Three policemen, including one Punjab Home Guards jawan, had also donated convalescent plasma, said DGP Dinkar Gupta.
The Chief Minister also expressed concern over the rising number of COVID cases in the State and called for extreme caution. He further directed the DGP to ensure strict enforcement of all the norms such as mandatory wearing of masks, social distancing etc. He has also advised employees with fever or flu-like symptoms not to come to office but to get themselves tested at the earliest.
Source: The Tribune, Hindustan Times
Image Credits: Google Images