Punjab CM confirms community transmission of coronavirus, seeks Centre's help to fight the spread

Speaking to media, the Punjab CM said out of the 27 cases reported yesterday, most were of community transmission.

"The patients have no travel history and that is our worry. One lady from Chandigarh went shopping and all those who came into contact with her are tested positive," the Chief Minister was quoted as saying by Times Now.

He said the infection in Punjab has spread to such an extent that those who do not have any travel history abroad are also testing positive and it is possible that the asymptomatic individuals are carrying the virus.

"We will identify the areas where the infection is concentrated," said the Punjab CM, the report added.

He said the state is underprepared to fight community spread of the disease due to paucity of funds.

"Our own state GST money is stuck with the central government. After writing a letter to PM Modi, Rs 3700 crore were received but we need more money, this is used for running the state but what about the assistance charge for food packets; we are giving 6 months food to blue card holders," the report quoted him.

He also stressed on the need for extending the lockdown due to increased transmission of novel coronavirus.

"Due to the severity of transmission, we have to carefully look at the extension of lockdown," asserted Singh. 

He, however, said the government would lift the lockdown district wise in a phased manner for the farmers.

"Farmers will be allowed to go to the field, we are ensuring social distancing is maintained when they go to the mandi, therefore we have increased the number of mandis. Police and guards will oversee that norms of distancing are followed. May 31 is our target date to lift all the produce," he said, the report said.

(Image Credit: Twitter handle of Capt Amrinder Singh)