Lockdown: Punjab seeks army’s help to combat COVID-19

CM says state machinery is monitoring rapidly changing scenario

LAHORE: Like other provincial governments, the Punjab government has also decided to seek military’s assistance to combat novel coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading rapidly in all parts of the country.

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar announced that the government has decided to request the Pakistan Army to help the civil administration in tackling this emergency. He made the announcement while presiding over a meeting on Sunday.

The chief minister said the entire state machinery, including ministers and civil administration, was monitoring the rapidly changing scenario. “The government has already issued instructions for stern action against those violating the government directives on maintaining social distancing,” he said.

He highlighted that to deal with adverse economic impact of coronavirus pandemic a social protection plan is being prepared to support the have-nots.

Buzdar also visited various areas of the provincial capital to inspect implementation of the partial lockdown imposed across Punjab. He visited Lahore Expo Centre to check development of a 1,000-bed field hospital being established in the exhibition halls. He directed the authorities concerned to complete the work at the earliest. “This field hospital will be made functional in 10 days,” he said.

The first phase of the 300-bed field hospital will be completed within the next 48 hours. The field hospital will also have a three-time meal arrangement. Patients will be kept in isolation at the field hospital. The chief minister also met the doctors and paramedics who are deputed at the field hospital in special safety suits.

Talking to the doctors and nurses, the chief minister appreciated their efforts and said, “You are the torchbearer contingent of our fight against coronavirus.” He also appreciated the labourers for their work.

The number of coronavirus patients in Punjab is 222 and all of them are under treatment in hospitals. Buzdar appealed to citizens to stay in their homes and refrain from socialising.

Buzdar highlighted that instructions have been issued to launch a crackdown against profiteers and hoarders. “The people will not be left alone in the hands of profiteers and hoarders. There is no food shortage in the province,” he maintained.

The government has set up high dependency units in each district and five special hospitals are also being established. Apart from this, more field hospitals will be established. Whatever steps will be taken, they will be aimed at protecting the lives of the people, he indicated.

A cabinet committee is holding a meeting daily and immediate steps are being taken to resolve the issues.

Meanwhile, the partial lockdown was observed in the provincial capital, except a few violations, on Sunday. Despite embargo on public gathering, the local administration allowed establishment of weekly Sunday Bazaars in different areas of the city, which were closed down by mid-day following the city police’s intervention.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 23^rd, 2020.