K-P govt to observe Covid-19 SOPs week till Dec 12
Ignoring safety protocols, people flock to a flea market selling used shoes in the provincial capital as Covid-19 claims 17 more lives in Punjab. The government has imposed smart lockdowns in four major districts to contain the pandemic. PHOTO: ONLINE
The provincial government of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) will effectively observe the ‘Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) compliance week’ to create awareness in public about the importance of novel coronavirus safety measures.
While addressing a press conference at Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa House in the capital, K-P Health Minister Taimoor Saleem Jagra and CM’s Special Assistant on Information and Higher Education Kamran Khan Bangash said that during the week besides creating awareness the local administrations will also take action against people ignoring the Covid-19 SOPs.
They said that during the week various activities will be organised by the provincial government for creating awareness in the people about the pandemic.
Support of citizens is prerequisite for implementing policy of the government to continue business activities and normal daily life, while observing safety precautions, they added.Jhagra said that the main objective behind observing this week was to support the efforts of the federal government in proper implementation of its strategies under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan to contain Coronavirus and protect its citizens from this disease particularly during this week.
He said that ensuring proper implementation on novel coronavirus SOPs by public and all stakeholders was necessary to effectively fight against the disease as joint efforts were required to control the second wave of Covid-19.
He sought support of public and all stakeholders of K-P to disseminate the message of government about fully implementation of all SOPs related with the Covid-19 like social distancing, hand sanitising or washing, and wearing of face mask.
The K-P health minister said that the provincial government had fully endorsed the decision of National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) of observing Covid-19 SOPs compliance week. He added all respective administrations had been asked to rigorously observe Corona compliance week in their respect areas for raising awareness on adopting protective measures planned by the government to avoid carrying this virus.
Jhagra said the government had effectively controlled the first wave of the disease while there were threats of spread of the Covid-19 in second phase, which was being considered more lethal.
He advised the citizens to strictly follow standard operating procedures in markets, offices and houses to help mitigate the exposure to the Covid-19 virus. He said that strict action will be taken on receiving reports of violation of SOPs in markets by citizens and not wearing mask in public places.
He appreciated the efforts of frontline health staff and leadership at federal government and NCOC under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan for making effective strategies to contain the first wave of Corona disease which was appreciated by the world and their effective planning for second wave. Expressing deep grief over the incident happened at Khyber Teaching Hospital (KTH) incident that resulted loss of six lives at Corona ward, Jagra announced thorough investigation in the incident and assured sharing of all information in public. He said that the protection of life is the responsibility of the state and assured that it will fulfill its responsibilities to ensure protection of life and property of its citizens.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 7th, 2020.