Industries should follow SOPs: Buzdar

Expressing concern over traffic on some roads of Lahore city, Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar appealed to the citizens to follow the government's instructions and restrict themselves to their homes.

The CM took an aerial visit of Lahore, Sheikhupura and adjoining cities to inspect steps taken for the implementation on lockdown. He viewed the closure of markets, commercial centres and the flow of traffic on different roads. He aerially viewed parks, grounds and stadiums in different cities.

The CM expressed satisfaction over the arrangements taken for prevention from coronavirus pandemic and lauded the role being played by the deputed personnel of Police, Rangers and Pak Army.

While addressing the meeting of cabinet committee for the eradication of coronavirus at his office here on Thursday, the CM informed the participants that out of 3232 coronavirus patients in Punjab, 550 have been recovered. Around 56 thousand testing kits are available in Punjab and more than 46 thousand people have been tested by the Punjab government, he added.

He emphasized the industries allowed to resume work will have to follow the SOPs otherwise action will be initiated in case of any violation.

The CM announced to give one-month additional salary to doctors and other staff engaged in the treatment of coronavirus patients adding that this salary will be paid from 1st of April.

He reiterated that the heirs of an employee, died during the anti-corona drive, will be not be left alone; and if anybody dies, the heirs will be provided financial aid under martyrs package.

He said the Punjab government has extended the lockdown till 25 April under The Punjab Infectious Diseases Prevention and Control Ordinance, 2020 as safeguarding the lives of the people is a top priority.

He indicated that necessary steps will continue to protect the lives of the people. He said that all the markets, shopping malls, restaurants, public and private offices and public transport will remain closed. Similarly, there will be a ban on holding religious congregations and social gatherings. Ban will remain imposed throughout Punjab for holding events, fairs, sports competitions and opening of gyms and snooker clubs, he added. Wedding halls, marquees, educational institutions, tuition centres and seminaries will remain close till April 25, he said.

The meeting reviewed the coronavirus situation, availability of PPEs and other material and the precautionary measures in detail.

Moreover, the Chief Minister has given in-principle approval to provide direct financial aid to deserving families in Ramadan-ul-Mubarak and the decision has also been made that Ramadan Bazaars will not be established due to coronavirus situation in Punjab.

In a meeting held to review relief arrangements under Ramadan Package, the CM announced that needy families will be given financial aid under Ramadan Package and added that necessary procedure be devised at the earliest. He directed to take effective measures to stabilize the prices and made it clear that no one will be allowed to create artificial price-hike.