Chandigarh; The Punjab government on Sunday announced it would strictly regulate any activity in the containment zones but allowed a limited industrial activity to set in motion its economy. The government has authorised District Magistrates to exercise due diligence in regulating the timings of various establishments, including industries and other permitted activity, depending upon the local requirements and norms of social distancing.

It was decided that the state will follow complete curfew till May 3 and the prevailing practice of requiring a curfew pass for movement during curfew would continue, an official statement said.

It allowed industrial activity on the condition of due arrangements of stay in factory or transport of workers to be taken care of by the operator, involving employment of 10 or more people.

A spokesperson for the state Home Department said the directions have been issued in implementation of the government of India’s revised Covid containment guidelines to be issued from April 20.

The condition for establishing a containment zone is reporting of two or more confirmed coronavirus cases in a locality.In view of the approaching summer season and the academic session, distribution of books by book shops to school and college students and sale of air-conditioners, air-coolers, fans and their repair shops have been brought under ambit of essential goods and services.

These shops are allowed to remain open and operate. The ‘dhabas’ would open but will serve packed food only.