Covid-19: Punjab extends curfew till May 1, task force to decide on exit strategy

CHANDIGARH: Amid apprehensions of community spread of COVID-19, Punjab government on Friday decided to extend the curfew in the state till May 1, 2020.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the council of ministers, chaired by chief minister Amarinder Singh, to check community spread of the pandemic and to prevent overcrowding at the grain markets in the light of the ensuing wheat harvesting/procurement season.
An official spokesperson later said Amarinder will convey the decision to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Saturday’s conference with the chief ministers.
Citing the grim projections about the spread of the pandemic in the coming weeks, Amarinder 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.
It was 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 comprise about 15 members representing trade, business, industry, agriculture, civil society and healthcare professionals.
The Cabinet also approved setting up 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. Captain Amarinder said he will request former Planning Commission deputy chairman Montek Ahluwalia to head the committee.
The Cabinet also resolved to urge upon Centre to establish an advanced centre of virology in Punjab with an anticipated investment of Rs 500 crore, with the state government to offer land free of cost for the project.