Surge in Covid cases termed alarming in Lahore

Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid on Thursday said an alarming increase in the number of coronavirus cases was being observed in the province.

She said this while reviewing arrangements for treatment of Covid-19 patients in different hospitals in a meeting held at the Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Department.

Rashid said that the Punjab government was utilizing all out resources for treatment of Covid-19 patients, adding that resources were available for all designated facilities.

She said adequate number of ventilators, High Dependency Units (HDUs), Isolation wards and other facilities were available. The helpline of Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Department was active; she said and urged the people to observe safety precautions.

The minister said the tests of prisoners at camp jail would be conducted soon.

She said the government has enhanced the treatment facilities for coronavirus patients, adding, the vaccination process of people over 60 years of age was underway.

"The current lockdown and restrictions have become necessary to control the spread of the virus," she said. However, the restrictions would be softened after improvement in the situation.

"By using masks and hand santitisers, people can remain safe from coronavirus.”

She stressed said that the people of Pakistan would beat the virus through collective efforts.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 19^th, 2021.