2,410 corona cases confirmed in Punjab: Buzdar for strict implementation of lockdown in province

While there is no let up in corona positive cases, the Punjab government has decided to intensify efforts aimed at controlling the spread of virus by ensuring strict implementation of lockdown in the province.

With 74 new cases, the total number of corona positive cases in the province of Punjab has reached to 2,410, while after two more deaths the number of deaths in Punjab has increased to 21.

In Lahore, the total number of confirmed corona cases has reached to 394 with 11 deaths so far. Two children from Children Hospital and eight adults from Mayo-Hospital were discharged after being recovered from the virus.

Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar chaired a special meeting which was attended by Corps Commander Lahore Lt-Gen Majid Ehsan, DG Rangers Punjab Maj-Gen Aamir Majeed, Chief Secretary Punjab Azam Suleman and Inspector General (IG) Shoaib Dastagir. The meeting reviewed the situation of the province and safety measures against coronavirus while arrangements to treat the affected patients were also reviewed.

Corps Commander Lahore Lt-Gen Majid Ehsan assured full cooperation on security measures and other connected matters.

It was decided during the meeting that necessary steps would be taken to deal with spread of the coronavirus while for further extension in the lockdown, different suggestions were discussed. It was decided that the coronavirus affected areas would be kept sealed until they are declared 'cleared' and no violation of section 144 would be allowed, resulting in legal action against the violators.

Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar said that Punjab currently has the capacity to conduct 3,100 coronavirus tests daily which is being enhanced.

Earlier, the CM took an aerial view of Multan, Sahiwal, Kamalia, Mian Channu and Lahore and reviewed the lockdown situation of different cities.

Sardar Usman directed to ensure the strict implementation on the security measures enforced by the government to deal with coronavirus. He appealed the people to follow the government's instructions as they are for their own betterment. He said that this time of trial demands a collective efforts form us. He said that he is personally monitoring the steps taken to prevent from coronavirus situation by visiting different cities.

The CM also paid a tribute to two security personnel who embraced martyrdom in an operation against terrorists in North Waziristan.

On the other hand, a delegation of Rice Exporters Association called on Punjab Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar and handed him over eight ventilators and 150 tonnes of rice as donation for poor families affected by corona crisis.

Talking to media, the Governor Sarwar said these ventilators will be provided to various hospitals of Lahore including Jinnah and Mayo Hospitals.