Coronavirus outbreak: Punjab to suspend public transport from Friday midnight, postpones state board exams till 31 March

It has also decided to shut marriage palaces, hotels, restaurants, banquets and dining places, except home delivery services and takeaways in the entire state

|Mar 19, 2020, 17:48:54 IST

Chandigarh: The Punjab government on Thursday announced suspension of public transport services from Friday midnight, besides restricting public gatherings to less than 20, in the state, inching closer to a shutdown amid the global outbreak of coronavirus.[caption id="attachment_8141231" align="alignleft" width="380"]

Representational image. PTI[/caption]It has also decided to shut marriage palaces, hotels, restaurants, banquets and dining places, except home delivery services and takeaways in the entire state.“Public transport buses, tempos and auto rickshaws will be suspended from the midnight of Friday,” Local Bodies minister Brahm Mohindra.These decisions were taken in a meeting of the seven-member Group of Ministers (GoM), formed by the Punjab government to review the situation triggered by the coronavirus outbreak on a daily basis.The GoM also decided to restrict the public gathering to 20. Earlier, it was restricted to 50 people.The minister further said the public dealing in the government offices will also be restricted.He further said the exams of classes 10 and 12 of the Punjab School Education Board have been postponed till 31 March.Follow LIVE updates on Coronavirus OutbreakAll commissioners, deputy commissioners, senior superintendent of police have been directed not to leave their stations, said the minister.“The government is ready to deal with any eventuality,” he further said, adding that the number of isolation wards would also be increased in hospitals.

Stroke in young adults, silent symptoms and late diagnosis: India's growing brain health challenge

Neurologists warn that stroke is increasingly affecting people in their 30s and 40s, while many brain disorders progress silently before symptoms appear. They say early diagnosis, timely referrals and healthier lifestyles are key to reducing India's growing neurological disease burden.

5 min read

Brain tumours aren't always fatal, but delayed diagnosis can be: Experts explain the key warning signs

Brain tumours are frequently mistaken for common headaches, stress or age-related cognitive changes. Doctors say recognising warning signs early and adopting a brain-healthy lifestyle can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term neurological complications.

2 min read

Spices, health and the Indian plate: Why chilli can be good for you—but moderation is still key

From boosting metabolism to supporting heart health, chillies offer several surprising health benefits. But experts say the amount you eat matters, and too much spice can do more harm than good.

4 min read

Organ donation: 5 myths you need to stop believing, according to a transplant specialist

Organ donation has the power to transform and save lives, but this can happen only when myths are replaced with facts. Building awareness, having open conversations and understanding the process can help families make informed decisions.

2 min read

Fish over meat: Why a pescatarian diet may help people with obesity live longer

A large UK study tracking over 150,000 adults with clinical obesity found pescatarians outlived regular meat-eaters, while vegetarians and vegans saw no similar benefit, but experts say the findings don't translate simply to Indian diets.