K-P braces for second wave of coronavirus

CM directs health deparment to get ready

PESHAWAR:

To cope with another likely wave of coronavirus during the winter season which is approaching fast, the provincial chief executive has directed for taking adequate measures to tackle the spread of virus.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Mahmood Khan issued these directives as he presided over a meeting of the provincial health department.

The chief minister it was necessary to have an effective mechanism in place for coordination among the relevant public departments for coping with any emergency situation.

The meeting reviewed the current situation of coronavirus in the province and the government’s preparedness in this regard.

CM Mahmood directed to ensure availability of required medicines and medical equipment in the public sector hospitals and to enhance the testing capacity for suspected coronavirus patients.

The chief minister also directed strict implementation of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in educational institutions for containing the spread of Covid-19.

The provincial government with the support of public successfully contained the spread of the virus to great extent, he said and urged the public to wear masks and observe social distancing.

On October 4, Prime Minister Imran Khan too had expressed these concerns in a statement on microblogging network Twitter. He had said that with the winter season approaching fast, another wave of coronavirus might hit the country.

PM Khan had cautioned the public to beware of a second wave and keep wearing masks and maintaining social distancing.

Last Friday, Planning Minister Asad Umar had said that indoor restaurants and marriage halls were emerging as super-spreaders of the virus.

The minister said that the National Command and Operation Center has directed all provinces and federating units to crack down on SOP violations in these places. The government must not allow irresponsible behavior of some to put the health of everyone at risk, he added.

Meanwhile, Peshawar deputy commissioner on Tuesday held a meeting with the owners of banquet halls in the provincial capital. The deputy commissioner directed that the Covid-19 SOPs must be followed strictly.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 7^th, 2020.