Even as the state government is busy handling the hooch tragedy, COVID-19 crisis aggravated in Punjab with over 3,000 new cases and 77 deaths being reported in the last three days. The state, on Friday, recorded the highest single-day spike of 1,063 cases, with Ludhiana reporting 296 cases, followed by Patiala (122) Mohali (77) and Jalandhar (70). Punjab now has 7,351 active COVID-19 cases.
In the wake of increasing number of cases, Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh ordered imposition of night curfew from 9pm to 5am in the worst affected cities of Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Patiala.
Over 5,500 people are currently contained under the large outbreak regions in four districts while over 41,000 are in micro-containment areas in the state.
According to state health authorities, there has been a spike owing to introduction of antigen testing in the state which aims to double the testing rate over the next few days. Amongst the key areas of concern is the high number of COVID-19 casualties—29 deaths were reported on Friday, taking the tally to 539 deaths.
While the increasing number of cases and deaths are leading to panic amongst the residents, state health authorities have claimed that the situation is under control and the state is prepared to deal with the surge.
Speaking to THE WEEK, Dr. Rajesh Bhaskar, state COVID-19 nodal officer, said, “We have introduced antigen testing which has not only sped up the time taken in releasing the reports but also increased the testing. So there will be a surge in numbers in the next few days. However, we have the situation under control; the casualties reported are maximum for those patients who approach hospitals for testing when the symptoms are out of hands. We are prepared, but still people need to exercise caution.”
Despite recording high number of cases, the state has been witnessing total indifference to physical distancing norms. Political parties, including the ruling Congress, have been organising protests or crowded meetings, putting hundreds of people at risk. There was a huge gathering of people when chief minister reached out to the bereaved families of hooch tragedy in Tarn Taran.
In Chandigarh, a protest was staged by opposition SAD, during which a scuffle broke out, forcing the police to detain former minister Bikramjit Singh Majithia. SAD supremo and MP Sukhbir Badal held a protest in Patiala along with his supporters, and the BJP protested in Amritsar, marching towards Navjot Singh Sidhu's home.
Meanwhile, the state government has warned that those found not wearing a mask will be forced to stand at a spot for one hour wearing the mask to inculcate the habit.
