Karachi police cancel leaves, make plans

Young, healthy cops have been deployed at 22 hospitals with isolation facilities

KARACHI: Preparing for a potential coronavirus outbreak, the Karachi police cancelled on Monday the leaves of all officers and personnel. Meanwhile, young, healthy personnel were deployed at 22 hospitals where isolation facilities have been set up.

A meeting convened by Karachi AIG Ghulam Nabi Memon decided that older officers or those suffering from illnesses would not be posted at these hospitals.

Meanwhile, district SSPs were directed to ensure the return of all officials who had temporarily gone from training centres to their respective districts.

All SHOs were also told to ensure the immediate closure of wedding halls and markets in their jurisdictions, taking legal action against violators.

Pakistan confirms 20 COVID-19 cases in a day

The city police also decided to ensure security at the hospitals and utility stores that have been turned into isolation wards, while also being prepared to carry out rescue operations in any emergency that may arise. It was further decided that manpower would be increased by 1,000 personnel, to be utilised for the security of major departmental stores, thus ensuring the smooth supply of necessities to the people.

Furthermore, the police will improve its intelligence network in an attempt to monitor the hoarding of necessary items.

South DIG Sharjeel Kharal was tasked with coordinating with the Garden police hospital medical superintendent to set up an isolation ward there, in collaboration with the Indus Hospital. The latter will also arrange for kits to test any police officials suspected of having contracted coronavirus.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 17^th, 2020.