Chandigarh, May 19 (IANS): With a large set of new relaxations coming into force from Tuesday, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh directed the state police to ensure strict compliance with Covid safety protocols, including social distancing and wearing of masks.

The next 25-30 days would be extremely crucial for containing the spread of coronavirus in view of the sudden opening up of the economy, as well as office and commercial activity after a 55-day curfew, the Chief Minister warned.

He directed Punjab Police to continue with their hard work and commitment to maintain the high levels of adherence to protocols and restrictions that had helped the state keep the spread of the pandemic under check.

"We cannot let all the benefits of all the work done by you in the past 55 days and sacrifices made by the people of Punjab go waste due to any complacency on our part now," the Chief Minister said in a statement.

The Chief Minister had last week announced lifting of the curfew with effect from May 18, but the continuation of lockdown in the state till May 31.

In line with the guidelines issued by the Centre, the state has also allowed a host of relaxations in the non-containment zones, with local buses also starting to ply in a phased manner from Tuesday.

Acting on the directives of the Chief Minister, Director General of Police (DGP) Dinkar Gupta has asked all the officials to register FIRs and impound vehicles, or issue challans, in case of any violation of the lockdown restrictions.

"We should send a strong message to enforce the various restrictions stringently, the DGP told his officers, citing the Chief Minister's instructions.

The Chief Minister has also ordered strict enforcement of the night curfew, which bars people from moving out, except for medical or essential needs, between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., in accordance with the Centre's guidelines for lockdown 4.0.