Coronavirus cases in Punjab rise to 2106 with only 148 active cases. Total of 1918 people have recovered, and 40 deaths confirmed so far. Amritsar District reported the highest number of cases in the state that stand at 331.
Recovery rate in Punjab was the worst in the beginning of May but now is one of the highest in India. However, change in COVID19 testing rules might be a significant reason for the flattening of the curve. As per the new law, asymptomatic contacts of the positive patients won’t be tested. This may lead to the second wave of new cases as asymptomatic cases might spread to others.
Mandatory Quarantine at Home and COVID19 Test at Airport for Flyers Bound for Punjab
As the central government began flight operations yesterday, the Punjab government made it compulsory for all travellers bound for the state to get tested at the Airport. Further, they are required to undergo mandatory home quarantine of 14 days. In addition, they were examining in Punjab likely to increase to 9000 tests per day with the installation of seven new RNA extraction machines.
Punjab Records 90% Recovery Rate, One of the Highest in India
Total recovered patients stand at 1918 in Punjab. Als, Punjab recorded one of the lowest fatality rates in India that stands below 2%. Once considered hotspots, Shahid Bhagat Singh and SAS Nagar now have only four and one active cases respectively.
Currently, six districts in Punjab have been declared Coronavirus free. List of COVID-19 free districts include Mansa, Rupnagar, Fatehgarh Sahib, Fazilka, Ferozpur and Moga.
No Migrant Should Be Forced to Walk Home – Captain Amarinder Singh
In a recent instruction to District Commissioners and Punjab Police, Captain Amarinder Singh directed them to ensure no migrant is forced to walk to their home in other states from Punjab. He further asked them to provide sufficient food supply, water and transportation for free. He stated that “Punjab is your karma-Bhoomi, even if it is not your Janam-Bhoomi,”
The Nanded Debacle
Coronavirus cases in Punjab jumped from 3 digits to 4 digits when pilgrims returned to the state from Nanded in Maharashtra. Overall Nanded returnees accounted for 75% of the total 2106 positive cases in Punjab for now. A large number of patients belong to Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Ludhiana, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, and Hoshiarpur districts. Besides, the government successfully traced all contacts and aggressively tested all arrivals to contain the spread. Total of 56,004 Punjabis returned from Nanded while there are over 10000 people stuck abroad that belong to the state.
CM Favours Careful Exit Strategy
Citing the widespread of the deadly disease, Amarinder Singh pitched for a carefully designed Lockdown exit strategy. Besides, the Central government must provide greater flexibility to the states in deciding the red, orange, and green zones. Further, he demanded urgent financial assistance for countries to meet at least one-third of their committed liabilities revenue grants for three months. Also, he reiterated the demand for an immediate release of Punjab’s GST arrears of Rs 4,365.37 crore. Besides, he urged PM to increase the borrowing limit from 3 to 4% of the state’s GDP. He also requested for early announcement of MSP on paddy and a bonus on non-burning of paddy stubble.
Current Active Cases in Punjab
| District | Active Cases |
| Ludhiana | 33 |
| Amritsar | 28 |
| Jalandhar | 28 |
| Hoshiarpur | 17 |
| Pathankot | 15 |
| Gurdaspur | 7 |
| Patiala | 5 |
| Shahid Bhagat Singh Nagar | 4 |
| Kapurthala | 3 |
| Tarn Taran | 2 |
| S.A.S. Nagar | 1 |
| Sangrur | 1 |
| Sri Muktsar Sahib | 1 |
| Faridkot | 1 |
| Bathinda | 1 |
| Barnala | 1 |
Cases of the Punjab Super Spreader
Malkit Singh of Jawaharpur Village “panch” went about his course infecting 37 people without maintaining social distance and quarantining himself. On April 4th he tested positive, later his eight family members and eventually 29 contacts. Further, he regretted his actions of close association with several people across the village and pleaded everyone to maintain social distance.