Chandigarh, April 4: Amid the COVID-19 crisis in the state, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Saturday warned of strict action, including impounding of passports, of those who fail to declare their travel history.
At the first Cabinet meeting to review the current situation in the state, the Chief Minister said there could be no compromise on this count and anyone found hiding their travel history from police/health department personnel would be dealt with strictly. “We will take away their passports too,” he warned.
To further strengthen the state government’s battle against the unprecedented crisis triggered by the global pandemic, Captain Amarinder also authorized extension for all retiring Health Department employees by three months, as proposed by Chief Secretary Karan Avtar Singh.
A detailed list will be submitted later to the Chief Minister for approval, according to an official spokesperson.
This was decided as the death toll due to COVID-19 went up to five, with 57 positive cases being reported in Punjab.
The Council of Ministers passed three resolutions thanking various categories of people for their exceptional contribution to the battle against COVID-19. These related to those government employees who had decided to donate a portion of their salaries; all NGOs and religious organizations for playing a pivotal role in persuading people to avoid congregation/gathering, and frontline officers and workers, including police, health staff, sanitation and Anganwadi workers, fighting against the Corona virus.
The Chief Minister said his government was immensely grateful to all those who were extending support in any manner and he would be personally thanking all of them.
