Punjab is the latest state to be told off by the centre for “diluting” coronavirus lockdown guidelines with decisions like designating the sale and servicing of air-conditioners as “essential”. The state withdrew its order last evening. The home ministry had also written a sharp letter to Kerala for allowing restaurants, book shops and barber shops to reopen in parts of the state. Punjab had allowed the opening of some activities prohibited in the April 15 order of the home ministry, Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said in a letter to the state on Monday, ordering “strict compliance” with central guidelines.
