Punjab suspends bus, auto-rickshaw services amid coronavirus threat

Public gatherings limited to 20 people

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Chandigarh, March 19: The Punjab government on Thursday decided to discontinue public transport in the state as a preventive step against novel coronavirus.

Buses, auto-rickshaws and tempos will not be allowed to ply in the state from Friday. The order comes into effect at midnight.

The decision was made after a group of ministers met on Thursday to review the state’s preparedness amid the pandemic. It decided to limit public gathering to 20 people.

Punjab has reported two coronavirus cases. One person, who had a travel history to Germany and Italy, died due to the disease on Wednesday. The state’s capital, Chandigarh, also reported its first positive case on Wednesday evening.