Shops, stores to close at 8pm in Punjab

LAHORE: Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar presided over a video-link meeting of cabinet committee for the eradication of Covid-19 here at his office Friday to review the arrangements made for the treatment of patients. The meeting reviewed the pace of food supply chain in the province. The meeting decided to close down retail shops, grocery and general stores at 8pm. The chief minister said that these shops would remain open from 8am to 8pm daily and implementation of this decision would be started from today (Saturday). No one will be allowed to violate this decision, he added. He continued that a decision had also been made on the direction of Prime Minister Imran Khan to allow movement of goods transport while the ban on public transport would continue. He directed hot-spots checking system throughout the province adding implementation of SOPs be ensured after the identification of sensitive areas. Movement should be kept limited in corona case affected areas, he added.

The chief minister directed to ensure availability of essential items adding that arrangements relating to managing food supplies for the poor be given final shape at the earliest. He reiterated that economic package was being devised for the hoi polloi and a committee led by finance minister would give briefing today (Saturday). He said that the availability of coronavirus kits must be ensured along with the provision of personal protection equipment for doctors and paramedics. He directed to clean the DG Khan quarantine centres with antiseptic spray.

The Punjab government appreciated the services being rendered by Pakistan Army, Rangers, police and members of the provincial administration. Similarly, the role being played by doctors and paramedics is also worthwhile, he added.

Provincial Ministers Raja Basharat, Mian Aslam Iqbal, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Hashim Jawan Bakht, CS, IGP and Commissioner Lahore attended the meeting at CM Office while Mussarat Jamshed Cheema MPA, SMBR and high officials participated through a video link from Civil Secretariat. Similarly, secretaries of P&D, Labour, Food and Agriculture departments attended the meeting through a video link from P&D Department.