Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar ordered on Thursday strict action against those not following Standard Operating Procedure (SOPS).

In a tweet, the CM said the government eased lockdown in view of possible hunger and poverty. He said all concerned associations had promised to follow SOPS.

However, Buzdar said, in most places SOPs are not being implemented at all. Therefore, he said, he has ordered strict action to be taken against those failing to follow SOPS.

“Markets that do not follow the guidelines will now be forced to close. We try not to let coronavirus affect businesses, but the irresponsible behaviour of some people is forcing us to make tough decisions,” the provincial government spokesperson said.

Punjab has recorder more than 31000 coronavirus cases and more than 600 deaths.