Punjab parties show little regard on ground for Covid-safety norms

An Omicron threat stares people in the face at political rallies in Punjab: no "social distancing" and barely anyone wearing a "mask".

Punjab has seen mass congregations in political rallies, with leaders and supporters throwing caution to the wind. An Omicron threat stares people in the face at political rallies: no "social distancing" and barely anyone wearing a "mask". On Wednesday, Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi was seen in the driver's seat, quite literally, as he flagged off a fleet of new buses. Neither he nor his ministers wore a mask.

With a surge in Omicron cases across several states, poll-bound Punjab has announced new restrictions from January 15. According to the state government, persons who have not been vaccinated with both doses will not be allowed in public places. The Punjab government order says "all those adult persons who have not yet taken both the doses of COVID vaccination should remain at their residences and should not visit public places, markets, functions, public transport and religious places."