The Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Punjab, in a Notification dated 9th June, 2020, has made amendments to the Punjab Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19 Regulations, 2020 (“Principal Regulations”).
The following changes have been made:
| Principal Regulations | After amendments to the Principal Regulations |
| Government and private hospitals were required to do the following while screening any suspected case of coronavirus-
i. While screening such cases, history of travel had to be recorded to ascertain if he/she has travelled to any country or area where COVID-19 has been reported. Additionally, the history of coming in contact with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 was to be recorded. ii. In case the person with such history in last 14 days is asymptomatic, the person was to be kept in home quarantine for 14 days from the day of exposure. iii. In case the person had any such history in last 14 days and is symptomatic as per case definition of COVID-19, the person was to be isolated and tested for COVID-19 as per hospital protocol. iv. Information of all cases to Office of Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) of the respective District was to be provided immediately.
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Now, the hospitals, during screening of suspected cases of COVID-19 has to record the travel history of that person. In addition to this, all private hospitals have to immediately inform about the history of coming in contact with another suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19, to the concerned Civil Surgeon.
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| Private Laboratories were not authorized to take or test samples for COVID-19 in the state of Punjab. | All the government and private laboratories authorized by ICMR can now take samples and test them for COVID-19, in the State of Punjab. The ICMR and the Guidelines of the Government of Punjab regarding taking and testing of such samples have to be followed. All private laboratories (in case they test such samples) must share the results with the Civil Surgeon of the district. |
| Persons with a history of travel in last 14 days to a country or area from where COVID-19 had been reported, and showed symptoms of COVID-19, to report to the nearest government hospital or call the toll-free number “104” so that necessary measures could be initiated by the government, if required. | Any person who travels to a location outside his usual residence should meticulously follow the instructions of the government including that of precautions and health protocols. |
| Persons with a history of travel to a country or area from where COVID-19 had been reported in last 14 days, but who do not have any symptoms of cough, fever, difficulty in breathing, were asked to isolate at home. | Any person who may have travelled to any location, district, state or country (as may be specified), may be required to quarantine at home or at any designated place for a prescribed period. During such quarantine, if imparted, the person should take all required COVID-19 precautions, hygiene measures, sanitization precautions and isolation measures as required and shall also utilize such digital equipment, mobile phone, mobile app, software system, telecommunication system, etc., as may be prescribed. |
Source: Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Punjab
