District Administration allows opening of some more shops in district: DC Ludhiana

Ludhiana: While providing some more relief to the residents of district Ludhiana, District Magistrate-cum-Deputy Commissioner Mr Pradeep Kumar Agrawal today ordered the opening of some more shops related to some more services/commodities.
    While providing information in this regard, Mr Agrawal stated that keeping in mind the changing weather, the District Administration has allowed the opening of shops selling electric fans/air coolers/AC repair, vehicle repair, spare parts, books and stationary, electrician service, supply of electrical and sanitary items, construction material, bricks, sand, plywood, timer, glass etc, IT repair, Invertor supply, plumber services, wood/hardware/paint etc. He informed that these shops can be opened from 7 am to 3 pm for counter sale and from 3 pm to 7 pm, these shops can do home delivery. He informed that the shopkeepers can commute by carrying a valid identity card from 7 am to 7 pm only. He clarified that these relaxations would not be valid in hotspots and containment zones.
    District Magistrate Mr Pradeep Kumar Agrawal informed that a three-member committee has been formed for Ludhiana city, that would hold regular checks of shops, that have been allowed to open during the ongoing curfew/lockdown. This committee would check whether the shopkeepers and works open during curfew/lockdown are following COVID protocol, social distancing, use of face masks and gloves etc. 
    The committee comprises of Additional Deputy Commissioner (Khanna), Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) and SDM Ludhiana (West). This committee would further constitute Police Station/Zone wise sub-committees, who would conduct regular checks of shops. He said that two-day time (till May 12, 2020) is given to the shopkeepers to make necessary arrangements as per the COVID protocol and if any shopkeeper is found not following the protocol, their shops would be closed on the spot and an FIR under section 188 of IPC would be registered against them. In other parts of the district, Sub-Division wise committees would be formed by respective SDMs in consultation with the DSPs. 
    He further informed that a total of 4173 samples have been taken in the district till date, reports of 3864 samples have been received and reports of 3706 samples were negative. He informed that out of total positive cases, 133 cases belong to district Ludhiana, while 25 from other districts. He informed that a total of 11 patients have been declared cured till date and at present and six deaths have been reported in the district. He said that at present, there are 116 active cases in district now.
    Mr Agrawal said that today, five trains carrying around 1200 migrants each departed for different states today, whereas 6 trains would depart tomorrow. He informed that more such trains would depart for other cities in different states in coming days.
    Mr Agrawal said that every employee of District Administration Ludhiana is working 24X7 to check the spread of COVID 19 in the state, and the situation is completely under control. He urged the residents to stay indoors and follow all directions of the Punjab government if they want to fight COVID 19 pandemic.