‘Lockdown decision made under extreme circumstances’

LAHORE:Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid said here Tuesday that decision of lockdown was taken under extreme circumstances and the government did not have any choice except this.

In her message, the minister said, “In order to stop the spread of the virus and put a break at the number of new infections, it is important that we stop virus transmission which is only possible when people stay home. The decision of lockdown was made to save people from the virus which has caused thousands of deaths globally.”

Acknowledging the services of doctors and paramedical staff, she said that doctors and paramedical staff were frontline workers and they were doing their best to save lives in hospitals. She said, “Dr Usama is a martyr and deserves our prayers and tributes for immense service to humanity. He is a real hero. Separately I also request philanthropists to come forward and help the deserving in the time of need.”

Dr Yasmin Rashid said that all confirm and suspected patients were being looked after by the government. “I appeal to the people to understand the seriousness of the situation. Please do not expose yourself to the virus and help us by staying indoors. Stay home and adopt social distancing until this crisis is over.”

Call centre sealed: The Lahore district government sealed a call centre on Jail Road and banned motorcycle-rickshaws from plying roads in the provincial metropolis.

Officials said a large number of employees were present in the call centre opposite Racecourse Park on Jail Road. They said a special team of district administration raided the place and got vacated the building. Officials said a case was also registered against the management of the call centre besides sealing the building.

Similarly, different teams of district administration intercepted motorcycle rickshaws on various City roads and registered cases against the drivers. Meanwhile, the deputy commissioner visited Jinnah Hospital and Mayo Hospital and inspected the arrangements taken for coronavirus patients.

On complaints that police are stopping food supply vehicles in the City, the DC categorically ordered police not to intercept any milk and food supply vehicles. He also directed all the assistant commissioners to remain in field and coordinate with relevant SPs in case of need.

Model Town AC distributed masks in Kahna THQ Hospital. LDA cancels tender opening: In the wake of the ongoing situation of coronavirus, Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has cancelled all the upcoming tender opening ceremonies.

LDA officials said that the newly appointed LDA DG Ahmed Aziz Tarar cancelled all tender opening ceremonies for the upcoming projects. Officials said that LDA had placed wash basins on all three entry/exit points of LDA office in Johar Town and all employees have been directed to wash hands frequently.

Meanwhile, LDA also devised a new SOP for issuance of medicines to LDA officers/officials and their families. According to the new SOP, all officers/officials who wanted to get medicines will submit duly signed form at related pharmacy which will upload that on designated whatsapp group to get approval from LDA's medical officer. Once approval is granted, the employee can collect medicine from the store, they maintained.