No coronavirus case reported in Punjab: PM to be briefed about S. Punjab secretariat's budget next week

Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar Thursday said that funds had been allocated in the budget for 'Southern Punjab Secretariat' and Prime Minister Imran Khan will be given a briefing in that regard next week.

The Punjab CM said this in an interaction with anchorpersons, columnists and senior journalists, here Thursday, wherein he apprised them about the steps being taken by the Punjab government to deal with the coronavirus.

Sardar Usman said Punjab government was in close contact with the federal government and situation was being monitored round-the-clock. "The Punjab government is ready to deal with any situation and I have held meetings as well as visited coronavirus monitoring control room," he added. "The coronavirus diagnostic facility is available in Lahore and pilgrims coming from Iran have also been screened. Similarly, a working group has been constituted to take steps," he further said.

The CM maintained the number of coronavirus patients was five in Pakistan while no coronavirus case had been reported in Punjab. However, comprehensive SOPs were being implemented to deal with the coronavirus threat, he said, adding: "The Punjab government started precautionary measures many days before reporting of coronavirus case in Pakistan. A cabinet committee has also been constituted to keep a vigilant eye on a daily basis."

He said that Rs236 million had been released for the procurement of necessary equipment and high dependency units had been set up in the hospitals of central, north and south Punjab.

Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid said on the occasion that screening of more than 3,000 Chinese had been completed and the situation was normal in Punjab. Necessary arrangements have been made in hospitals and it is also imperative to create public awareness.

Industries Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal said mask was not required for a healthy human being but essential for doctors and other hospital staff.

Information Minister Fayyaz-ul-Hassan Chohan said the media had always played a constructive role for creating public awareness and added that "we need to develop awareness for safety from coronavirus." Finance Minister Hashim Jawan Bakht said steps were being taken for the availability of essential items.

Energy Minister Akhtar Malik said that people needed not to worry about and adopt precautionary measures as chances of recovery of coronavirus patients were greater.

Moreover, inaugurating the Open Defecation-free Punjab Project, here Thursday, the CM said the project directly related to the health of the people as more than 13-percent of citizens were deprived of the toilet facility.