Govt mulls stricter Covid SOPs across province

DCs to launch door-to-door vaccination campaign when required

LAHORE:

In the wake of a rapid increase in coronavirus cases in the province, the Punjab government has decided to strictly implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) and issued directions to all divisional commissioners in this regard.

The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Provincial Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid and the Punjab Chief Secretary Jawad Rafique Malik.

The meeting reviewed the vaccination campaign, corona pandemic situation, medical facilities for the patients and also decided that the divisional commissioners would have the authority to launch a door-to-door vaccination campaign in any district as and when required.

Addressing the meeting, Dr Yasmin said the number of cases was rising during the fourth wave of corona and the rate of hospital admissions in Multan, Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawalpur increased rapidly.

She directed the health department to ensure the supply of oxygen and ventilators in the hospitals of high rate districts of South Punjab. “The next few days are very important given the spread of the epidemic,” she remarked.

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Instructing the divisional commissioners to strictly enforce the corona SOPs, the Chief Secretary said that it was important to wear a mask and keep social distance despite vaccinations to prevent the spread of the virus.

He directed the authorities concerned that no one should be allowed to enter government offices without masks and vaccinations, adding that the only solution to get rid of the coronavirus pandemic was through vaccination and precautionary measures.

The chief secretary commended all the commissioners and deputy commissioners for successfully meeting the vaccination targets, saying that with the door-to-door vaccination campaign in five cities, most of the districts have achieved 100% target.

He said the NCOC has lauded the Punjab government for its successful vaccination campaign. He said that the vaccination campaign is a national goal and it should be continued with the same vigour.

Primary Health Secretary Sara Aslam briefed the meeting that the rate of positive cases in two districts of the province, Rawalpindi and Bhakkar, is more than 8%.

She said the vaccination campaign in the province is going on successfully and so far more than one and a half crore people have been inoculated. She said that more than 516,000 people were vaccinated on July 29.

The senior member board of revenue, additional chief secretary, additional chief secretary home, specialised health secretary and senior civil and military officials attended the meeting while all the divisional commissioners participated through video link.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 31^st, 2021.