LAHORE: Expressing concern over the increasing number of coronavirus affectees and the death rate, the political and military leadership in special meeting of the apex committee held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has decided to take effective measures and wage collective efforts to cope with the second wave of the COVID-19.
The meeting agreed to chalk out effective strategy in advance, keeping in view possible future situation with regard to the coronavirus. It was decided to ensure strict implementation on wearing mask in the province while violation of SOPs will not be tolerated under any circumstances. It was also decided that all necessary arrangements and strategy will be given final shape before the start of winter season. It was recommended to quarantine the people coming from abroad, especially from India and to impose ban on political, social, cultural and religious gatherings in the province. Similarly, it was recommended to restrict the number of invitees for marriage ceremonies at open places. The meeting also dilated on the proposal to reserve some hospitals of the province, especially from southern Punjab for coronavirus as well as starting winter vacations in education institutions.
Corps Commander Lahore Lt Gen Majid Ehsan asserted to extend all possible cooperation with the Punjab government. The Pakistan Armed Forces assured their full support to the civil government as coronavirus is a national challenge, he said. “Pakistan Army was standing with the government to make people’s lives safer and ready to tackle the second wave of coronavirus through collective efforts.”
Among others, General Officer Commanding 10-Div Maj Gen Muhammad Aniq-ur-Rehman Malik, DG Rangers Punjab Maj Gen Muhammad Amir Majeed and high ranking military officials attended the meeting.
Addressing the meeting, Usman Buzdar said that public support is utmost necessary to deal with coronavirus. The government will ensure the implementation on the decision taken by technical team. The government will work more efficiently for safeguarding the lives of the citizens.
The CM also thanked the military leadership for their cooperation to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. The medical experts gave suggestions and recommendations to stop the spread of coronavirus in the province. He said a number of coronavirus affectees are increasing day by day and a comprehensive cooperation of citizens is required like before for controlling the coronavirus.
Moreover, during the last 24 hours, 390 fresh coronavirus cases and 9 deaths were reported in Punjab taking the provincial tally of cases to 108,221 and deaths to 2438.
As many as 13545 tests were conducted during the last 24 hours while the number of active coronavirus patients reached 8092. As many as 97672 patients out of 108221 have recovered from coronavirus so far.
In another development, the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination announced that the government has a COVID-19 vaccine strategy in place in response to data and global best practices.
Under this strategy, the government has prioritized the groups most likely to be the initial recipients of a potential vaccine. An effective COVID-19 vaccine is a possible long-term strategy against coronavirus.
Moreover, provincial Minister for Wildlife and Fisheries Syed Samsam Ali Bukhari has tested positive for coronavirus after which he has quarantined himself at home.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020
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