CHANDIGARH: Taking serious view of the challenge especially posed by the new Covid-19 variant Omicron, the Punjab government on Tuesday decided that adult persons who have not taken both doses of Covid vaccine should not visit any public place, markets, functions, public transport and religious places from January 15.
Punjab home secretary Anurag Verma mentioned in the order that all are aware that Covid-19 pandemic has posed a huge challenge to the community and affected each and every individual adversely.
The orders issued under the Epidemic Disease Act, 1897, mention that only fully vaccinated (second dose) adult persons or those who are not due for second dose as per health protocol are to be allowed in public places with large gatherings like sabzi mandi, grain markets, public transport, parks, religious places, malls, shopping complexes, hotels, bars, gyms, haats, local market and other similar places.
All government offices including boards and corporations located in Chandigarh have been directed to allow only fully vaccinated (second dose) adult persons, including their employees, or those who are not due for second dose as per health protocol. Both private and government sector banks have also been directed to follow these orders meticulously.
How to verify vaccination status?
In case of Covishield, the beneficiary will be eligible for second dose after 84 days from first dose and in case of Covaxin, the beneficiary will be eligible for second dose after 28 days from first dose.
Vaccination verification can be done from the downloaded certificates of 2nd dose and the first dose certificate can be checked to ascertain if 2nd dose is due or not. Arogya setu app can be checked for vaccination status of a person. For those not having smart phones, text message sent via Cowin portal (NHPSMS) may be considered for successful vaccination," reads the order.
The home secretary has also mentioned that the vaccination teams where and whenever demanded by office in-charges for on the spot vaccination or for regular vaccination camps at places of gathering would be provided by the health and family welfare department.
All the deputy commissioners have been directed to give adequate publicity of these measures to ensure awareness among the general public regarding Covid-19 vaccination.
