Faisalabad hospitals house 41 Covid patients

Public Prosecution minister says second wave cannot be taken lightly

DIJKOT:

Punjab Minister for Public Prosecution Chaudhry Zaheeruddin, who is also the Focal Person of the Anti-Coronavirus measures in district Faisalabad, has said that 41 confirmed patients of coronavirus are currently undergoing treatment in the hospitals.

He said this while briefing the media persons in the committee room of Deputy Commissioner Office regarding the current status of the coronavirus pandemic and consequent implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs).

The minister said that the condition of home quarantined people in the area was satisfactory and not worrisome.

He warned the second wave of the pandemic is more dangerous and cannot be taken lightly.

Responding to a question, the provincial minister said that coronavirus standard operating procedures (SOPs) were being strictly enforced in public transport and awareness was being inculcated about the importance of wearing facemasks and maintain hygiene.

“If the citizens are seen in public spaces defying SOPs, they will be served fines. It is important that the public realises the gravity of the situation and observes the rules made for their own safety,” he stressed.

“This war against the pandemic can be won through the joint efforts of the administration and public,” he added.

Moreover, Chaudhry Zaheeruddin lauded the efforts and timely decisions of Punjab Chief Minister, his political team and administrative officers who helped in controlling the first wave of coronavirus effectively. He expressed hope that the second wave which hit from September 1 will be controlled too.

Pertaining to the authoritative action taken against defiant business owners, he highlighted that during the current week 172 shopping malls, restaurants, marriage halls and vehicles were sealed while fines worth more than Rs86,000 were slapped on them.

As many as 1,698 persons were given facemasks and asked to refrain from flouting SOPs, he added.

“Arrangements have been made in the government hospitals to deal with any possible emergency with respect to the pandemic. Paras Campus on Jhang road has also been kept on standby for the same purpose.”

He assured the district administration and police that the parliamentarians were by their side in these crucial times.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 11^th, 2020.