Weekend lockdown in Chandigarh

Chandigarh, August 21

UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore today ordered closure of all shops and establishments (except essential shops and services) on Saturdays and Sundays in the city until further orders. Food outlets and restaurants, religious places and clubs will, however, remain open.

UT Adviser Manoj Parida said there would be no ban on the movement of people or goods on weekends and curfew in the city would continue to remain in effect from 10 pm to 5 am. During the weekend, private offices and industries will remain open but government offices, including the RLA, will remain closed. Also, there will be no restriction on the movement of private vehicles and public transport. The Adviser said all liquor shops would remain closed on weekends.

The decision was taken after the UT witnessed a sharp rise in the number of coronavirus cases. The Punjab and Haryana governments have already imposed the restrictions on weekends. Earlier, the UT Administration had requested the Chief Secretaries of both states to simultaneously impose lockdown in the tricity, but they had turned down the request.

Meanwhile, UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore has advised the Administration to start a special campaign of 3Ws (wash your hands, wear your mask and watch your distancing) to combat the Covid-19 pandemic. During the war room meeting today, the Administrator appealed to all councillors, RWAs, market welfare associations and NGOs to inform the Administration regarding any resident showing symptoms of Covid. “Effective medical treatment can be given when symptomatic cases are detected early,” he said.

The Administrator also directed health officials to focus on senior citizens and small children, who are vulnerable to the infection. Badnore directed DGP Sanjay Beniwal to enforce all instructions of hygienic practices such as proper wearing of masks. — TNS