In order to keep the further spread of coronavirus under check, the Punjab Government has issued guidelines for persons coming to Punjab by all modes of transport.All the Deputy Commissioners, Commissioners of Police, Senior Superintendents of Police and Civil Surgeon have been directed to ensure strict compliance of the guidelines issued by the Health & Family Welfare Department to prevent COVID-19.Disclosing this here today, the Additional Chief Secretary Governance Reforms and Chairman, COVID Health Sector Response & Procurement Committee Vini Mahajan said that incoming passengers to Punjab must download COVA app which should remain active and self-generate an e-pass over this app for a smooth exit from the railway station. She said that as per the said guidelines the passengers travelling by train (incoming/outgoing) must wear mask and maintain social distancing. She further said that only passengers with confirmed tickets will be allowed to enter the railway platform and no attendants will be allowed to avoid unnecessary crowding. All passengers will undergo health screening before entry into the platform, said the ACS adding that all passengers will have to reach the railway station 45 minutes before the departure time and only asymptomatic passengers could board trains.Giving information for the facilitation of passengers at the Destination Railway Station, the ACS said that the COVA app downloaded by the incoming passengers should remain active for self-generating an e-pass. In case any passenger doesn't have mobile or is not able to generate e-pass, then after showing a valid ID proof (Aadhaar card/ Driving License/Voter card/any other ID Proof issued by government), he/she will submit a self declaration form to the health team deputed for screening at a designated place at the railway station, she added.
The ACS further informed that the passengers found to be symptomatic or high risk during screening would be taken to a health facility for testing and If tested positive, the patient would be treated as per health protocol. She also mentioned that all others would be home quarantined for 14 days. Their health status will be monitored and in case they feel about development of any COVID-19 symptoms, they will have to immediately report to nearest health facility or on COVID-19 helpline no 104. The ACS pointed out that passengers who have a return ticket scheduled before the completion of duration of home quarantine will be allowed to return only if asymptomatic. Referring to COVA app launched by the Governance Reforms Department, the ACS stated that in addition to the unique features offered by the Covid-19 mobile application, a new feature for self-generated inter-district passes has also been introduced, for the facilitation and hassle-free movement of passengers. She said that through this feature on COVA app, residents would be able to submit their applications for inter-district passes which could be self-generated by themselves hence allowing for real time access and fast-track approval of inter-district passes. She said that these passes would also assist the government authorities in contact tracing and containment of the virus spread.To avail this feature, citizens are required to take self-generated inter-district pass from COVA app which can be produced to Police Authorities, in case of checking, during their travel. Apart from this feature, other utilities offered by COVA app are accessibility to essential services, medical assistance, contact history tracing, real time updates of COVID-19 in all districts and many more, said the ACS urging the citizens to download the COVA app for taking maximum advantage of its various features.