Sindh to reopen public transport three days after Eid

Testing hits new high amid transport relief

ISLAMABAD/ LAHORE/ KARACHI: The country has stepped up its coronavirus testing capacity with officials saying on Saturday that to 14,878 tests were conducted during the last 24 hours -- the highest number in a single day so far – as Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa are set to reopen public transport from Monday and Sindh will also follow suit three days after Eidul Fitr.

The participants of a meeting at the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Covid-19 chaired by Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar were informed that a record number of coronavirus tests were carried out in the last 24 hours.

The country’s testing capacity has increased by 30 times as 70 laboratories are now conducting tests against only two in mid-March.

The provincial chief secretaries provided their input on the implementation of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) in the wake of decision to lift the lockdown imposed to stem Covid-19 infections.

They also briefed the participants about the guidelines prepared for Eid prayer congregations and the implementation of the SOPs devised for industries and markets.

Umar said the implementation of the SOPs and social distancing was only possible through public awareness.

The forum was of the view that market associations and trader organisations must ensure that the SOPs issued by the health ministry were complied with.

It was decided that if a market did not comply with the SOPs, it should be closed.

The minister said the country had been “quick” in enhancing its capacity and capability to deal with the pandemic.

“Where there is a will there is a way. The people of Pakistan cannot be left on the mercy of the pandemic,” he added.

Epidemiologists and other health experts briefed the forum on the future virus behaviour, crisis management plans, the capacity of the healthcare system and the number of the ICU beds, ventilators and the personal protective equipment.

Punjab Industries Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal said around 336 warning notices were issued to different markets and industries over the violation of the SOPs.

Interior Minister Brig (retd) Ijaz Shah said district administrations should engage with the trader associations and other stakeholders for the implementation of the guidelines.

The forum was further informed that the disbursement of cash handouts under the Ehsaas relief programme would restart on Monday with SOPs in place for public safety.

Separately, Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar allowed the resumption of inter-district public transport with a 20% cut in fare ahead of Eidul Fitr.

The chief minister made the announcement after presiding over a video-link meeting on Saturday of the cabinet committee formed to deal with coronavirus.

The provincial government has already allowed public transport, shopping malls and the automobile industry to reopen from Monday.

Sindh, which has been reluctant to reopen the public transport sector fearing a spike in Covid-19 cases, has also decided to follow in the footsteps of other provinces.

Sindh Transport Minister Awais Qadir Shah said public transport vehicles would be allowed to operate in the province three days after Eidul Fitr. However, he added, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah would make the final decision during the meeting of the coronavirus task force on Monday.

“The government is preparing guidelines to reopen inter-city and inter-district transport in the province,” he explained.

He further said a four-point summary had been forwarded to the chief minister aimed at providing relief to transporters.

(With input from APP)