SOP violators face intensified action
A man walks in a market, unbothered by his mask flying to the side. Health officials have ascribed the rise in Covid-19 cases to citizens’ refusal to follow SOPs. PHOTO: REUTERS
The district administration sealed dozens of restaurants, shops, snooker clubs, marquees and banquet halls over violation of the coronavirus safety standard operating procedures (SOPs) on Monday.
A spokesperson for the local administration highlighted that gross violations of the guidelines regarding social distancing and mask were observed at businesses across the city. On orders of the deputy commissioner, field officers raided spots in several areas of the city and sealed around 60 business over various violations of coronavirus SOPs.
They sealed 28 restaurants and cafes, as well as 19 banquet halls for holding indoor functions. The spokesperson said strict action would be taken against shopkeepers who would keep their businesses open after 10pm in violation of the SOPs.
The district administration also filed FIRs against the owners of businesses found violating the SOPs.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar chaired an apex committee meeting on coronavirus, which expressed concern over non-implementation of the SOPs and agreed to make concerted efforts for their effective enforcement.
The meeting was attended by Corps Commander Lahore Lt Gen Majid Ehsan, GOC 10-Division Maj Gen Muhammad Aneequr Rehman Malik, DG Rangers Punjab Maj Gen Muhammad Amir Majeed and other high-ranking military officials along with Provincial Ministers Raja Basharat, Dr Yasmeen Rashid, Special Assistant Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, the chief secretary, inspector general of police, senior officers and medical experts.
It was decided that strict action would have to be taken if the same situation persists and the military, as well as administration would continue striving jointly for saving lives. Resources will be fully utilised for the treatment of coronaviris patients, the committee decided.
The meeting stressed strict compliance with the requirement for face masks at public places and offices and resolved that legal action would be initiated in case of any violation.
It also dilated upon a proposal of imposing fine over SOP violation at public places and decided to enforce the timings for shutting markets. The coronavirus SOPs will be implemented without disrupting economic activities.
The meeting decided to further limit public movement in the areas where smart and micro lockdown is imposed.
The chief minister said the number of patients had dangerously increased and the government wanted to overcome the second wave of the pandemic by ensuring compliance with the SOPs. Necessary restrictions have been imposed while keeping in view the economic problems of the working class, he added.
He said the government was giving attention to providing facilities for the treatment of coronavirus patients in the hospitals. High dependency units (HDUs) have been reactivated in teaching hospitals along with reopening of the field hospital at the Expo Centre. The health department has been provided funds and the decisions of the apex committee will be implemented in letter and spirit, he added.
Corps Commander Majid Ehsan expressed commitment to continue cooperation with the Punjab government for dealing with the coronavirus challenges. The collective efforts will be made more efficient as protection of public lives is more important. Overcoming the second corona phase is a national challenge and armed forces are standing with the civil administration for the protection of human lives, he continued.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 8th, 2020.