Face masks mandatory, says Rashid

Sheikh Rashid spoke to provinces' chief secretaries and chief ministers, including Usman Buzdar and Murad Ali Shah

ISLAMABAD:

Minister for Interior Sheikh Rashid said on Wednesday that a massive campaign was being launched to ensure the wearing of face masks at public places to stem the coronavirus' spread.

The minister said Prime Minister Imran Khan, chairing a meeting of the National Coordination Committee on Covid-19, called for strict adherence to the anti-coronavirus standard operating procedures (SOPs).

"He spoke with all the provinces' chief secretaries and chief ministers, including Usman Buzdar and Murad Ali Shah and [it was decided] that a campaign will be launched from today (Thursday) to ensure the wearing of face masks," he maintained.

Rashid further informed that no decision has been taken on a lockdown yet while confirming that the prime minister was in good health.

Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi Commissioner Muhammad Mehmood directed the deputy commissioners of all districts to strictly implement anti-Covid SOPs according to guidelines issued by the Punjab government.

Presiding over a meeting held to review the prevailing Covid situation and measures taken for eradication of this menace, he directed that wearing of masks must be ensured at all government and private places as the prevailing wave of this deadly virus is more dangerous as compared to previous one.

Mehmood asserted that anti-corona regulations be fully implemented otherwise stern action will be taken against those failing to comply with the directives.

Meanwhile, the Jhelum district administration has failed to implement the coronavirus SOPs as citizens across the district were seen roaming the streets, markets, entertainment venues, and other places, including the general bus stand without wearing masks.

The restaurants are also accommodating dine-in services while no restrictions are being imposed on scheduled working hours. Drivers and passengers were also seen not following SOPs as rickshaws carried more than five passengers without maintaining social distance.

Citizens have demanded of the Punjab chief minister and chief secretary to direct the administration to implement all relevant SOPs to prevent the spread of the virus.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 1^st, 2021.