Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 22

The Punjab Chief Minister on Sunday issued orders for shutdown of all non-essential services and businesses with immediate effect till March 31 to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Only essential services will be allowed to function. All Deputy Commissioners and SSPs have been directed to issue relevant orders and implement the restrictions immediately, a top government functionary told The Tribune.

On Saturday, seven districts had ordered shutdown till Wednesday. The new order has put in place a shutdown till March 31 all across the state.

Only essential services such as the police, health, power, emergency transport, supply of milk, food items, medicines, etc, will continue.