Punjab Cabinet Committee (PCC) for Covid-19 control decided to follow orders of the federal government in connection with opening of restaurants and cafes.
Committee met on Saturday with Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar in the chair and reviewed the situation regarding coronavirus in detail. Te participants presented different proposals to prevent Covid-19. It was decided to send proposals to the federal government for opening of different institutions in Punjab according to the SPOs devised in this regard.
The meeting decided in principle to ensure implementation of covering face and nose across the province under which police and traffic wardens will be able to warn the violators.
The cabinet committee allows the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) to conduct interviews of one thousand lady doctors following the SOPs. The PPSC can also take written exams and interview after ensuring the SOPs' implementation however, NCOC will be informed about the decision of allowing the PPSC to take the interview.
It was also decided in the meeting that DRAP will be approached for the permission to prepare ventilator and respirator at local level. The NCOC will take final decision on the proposals regarding reopening of parks, new working hours for the commercial enterprises and two-day holidays.
It was informed that the lists of plasma donors have been prepared in Mayo and Jinnah Hospitals Lahore. Covid-19 patient can be treated with plasma under expert protocol. A central control room for monitor the movement of Covid patients will be established in Mayo Hospital Lahore and Dr Asad Aslam will be the Operations Commander of this control room.
The meeting was informed that more than 228,000 tests have been conducted so far in Punjab. There is no shortage of beds or facilities for Covid-19 patients in Punjab. More than 1000 beds reserved for Covid-19 patients in the province are still vacant. The chief minister said the federal government would be requested to provide 1500 ventilators. He directed that no patient should face any difficulty in the government hospitals.
Moreover, Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed called on CM Sardar Usman Buzdar and discussed political situation and other matters of mutual interest.
The CM told Sheikh Rashid Ahmed about the government initiatives being taken to deal with Covid-19 pandemic. Special attention is being paid on the steps taken to prevent major cities including Lahore and Rawalpindi from Covid-19 outbreak, he added.
He disclosed that due to Punjab government's timely measures, mortality rate is low as compared to the number of population.
Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on the occasion said the Punjab government has taken practical measures to prevent coronavirus. Development projects and schemes for Rawalpindi were also discussed during the meeting.
Furthermore, provincial Minister for Law Raja Basharat met Usman Buzdar and discussed matters regarding forthcoming budget session of the Punjab Assembly. The CM said Covid-19 has changed the lifestyle, therefore, change in routine is need of the hour. He said new laws would have to be introduced to change the social norms. Punjab government has already introduced Punjab Infectious Diseases Ordinance 2020. The purpose of introducing this act is to ensure the 100 percent implementation on government initiatives in case of any outbreak.