FOPSIA urges Punjab govt to impose lockdown in the state

Ludhiana, Apr 28 (KNN) Federation of Punjab Small Industries Associations (FOPSIA) has urged Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh to impose complete lockdown in the state in the wake of COVID-19 second wave.

''The state is passing through the worst ever COVID crisis, which is taking away hundreds of precious lives of our citizens. The first was very mild as compared to the second wave which is spreading very fast into the community,'' FOPSIA president, Badish Jindal said in a letter to Capt. Singh on Tuesday.

Jindal further reminded the Chief Minister that the number of patients is doubling down on a weekly basis and we are running short of beds, oxygen, ventilators and medical staff which are very essential to tackle the increasing numbers.

''The restrictions are not providing much effectiveness as the citizens are not taking this virus seriously in the way it is resulting. The night curfew and weekly lockdowns may reduce the impact but it can't give the desired results,'' he added.

He also warned that the workers of the industry may also prove the carriers of this virus. The shops and commercial establishments allowed during the day can't maintain the SOPs.

Jindal said that the Punjab government is worried about the financial health of the state's trade and industry, which is one of the reasons for not considering the lockdown in the state.

''But looking at the present crisis the lockdown is must to control COVID crisis. The government may consider a short lockdown for seven days which can be further reconsidered. Your (Capt. Singh) decision may save the thousands of precious lives of citizens,'' the letter read.