DW BUREAU / PATIALA In view of the increase in the number of COVID cases in Patiala district, the District Administration has issued an advisory on the precautionary measures to be taken against COVID. Deputy Commissioner Kumar Amit, while holding a meeting with the management of Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib and Mandir Sri Kali Devi besides the representatives of Marriage Palace Association, Hotel, Banquet and Restaurant Owners Association, emphasized on taking necessary precautions against COVID-19 pandemic. The Deputy Commissioner said that in order to curb the resurgence of COVID-19, keeping in view the public interest, the number of persons for indoor and outdoor social gatherings in Patiala district from March 1 has already been capped at 100 and 200 respectively. Now, there is need to adhere COVID precautions at public places, especially religious places, gurdwaras, temples, etc., where the number of devotees is high. Similarly, precautions like wearing masks, use of sanitizers/washing of hands frequently and maintain social distance etc. must be taken at parks, marriage palaces, hotels, restaurants, banquet halls, etc. Legal action under the Epidemic Disease Act, 1897, will be taken against the persons violating the advisory, said Kumar Amit. He also directed all Sub Divisional Magistrates to get implemented this advisory strictly. The Deputy Commissioner asked the Manager of Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib Karnail Singh Nabha and Satpal, the manager of the temple Mata Kali Devi, to urge the devotees to pay special attention to the social distancing and wearing masks to prevent the spread of the COVID pandemic. He said that the management of the places of worship has already extended a lot of support to the administration for which the administration is thankful to the management committees but more cooperation is needed to take precautions. He said the Coronavirus is not over but since the number of people leaving their homes after the lockdown was lifted, increasing, the number of positivity is also shooting up. He said that now the risk of death due to COVID was also increasing so that necessary precautions must be taken to save precious human lives. He also appealed to the people to get vaccinated against COVID. (editor@dailyworld.in)