Punjab government imposes night curfew amid Omicron fears; schools, colleges shut down

The Punjab Govt on Tuesday imposed night curfew in municipal areas with certain exceptions amid fears of an Omicron-led Covid-19 surge.

Movement for non-essential activities will be prohibited between 10pm to 5am within municipal limits of all cities and towns in Punjab. However, essential activities will be permitted. The restrictions in the State include wearing masks in public places and enforcing social distancing.

The fresh curbs were announced after Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi chaired a review meeting to take stock of the Covid-19 situation in the state.


Bars, cinemas halls, malls, restaurants, and spas will operate at 50% capacity subject to staff being fully vaccinated, while gyms will remain closed.

All educational institutions, including schools, colleges, universities, and coaching institutions, shall remain closed, it further said, adding that online teaching will continue. Medical and nursing colleges may continue to function normally, it said.

Sports complexes, stadia, swimming pools, and gyms (except those being used for training of sportspersons for participation in national or international events) shall remain closed , it said, adding no spectators or visitors will be allowed there.

Only fully vaccinated staff will be allowed to attend government and private offices.

The new set of restrictions will be in force till January 15.

The district authorities may impose additional restrictions as deemed necessary, based on their assessment of the situation, said the order.

The fresh curbs have been imposed ahead of Punjab's assembly polls marked by crowded rallies and political meetings, though no restrictions have been announced regarding political meetings or rallies.

Covid-19 cases in Punjab have been rapidly rising, reporting 419 cases yesterday. The positivity rate rose from 0.46% on December 28 to 4.47% yesterday. It has so far recorded 6,05,922 cases with 16,651 deaths.