Punjab Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Ordinance 2020 promulgated: CM Usman Buzdar

LAHORE: Chief Minister Sardar Usman Ahmed Khan Buzdar has said the Punjab Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Ordinance 2020 has been promulgated which will enable the provincial government to take all necessary measures to protect the public from the dangerous coronavirus.

On his twitter account, the chief minister said that the ordinance had been promulgated keeping in view the emergency situation in Punjab. He also tweeted important points of the ordinance.

According to the ordinance, if the epidemic spreads, the private doctors and hospitals can be ordered to treat the patients. The government can impose any kind of ban anywhere, including banning people from sending their children to school or gatherings. The government will also have the authority to make decisions about burial and transportation of dead bodies of patients.

The ordinance empowers the government to impose sanctions on various festivals and gatherings. The ordinance allows the government to close any premises. The deputy commissioner would have the authority to restrict any type of movement in certain areas for a specified period, and transfer any sick or infectious person to specific places.

The government will also be allowed to screen the masses anywhere. Every citizen is responsible to report sick people to certified medical officer and penalties would be imposed in case of non-implementation.

Violation of any clause of the ordinance will result in two months imprisonment and fine of Rs50 000. Violation of more than one clause will lead to six months imprisonment and fine of Rs0.1 million. Fine up to Rs0.2 million will imposed on an institution for first time violation.

For the patients receiving treatment at a quarantine centre or some other facility, the first escape attempt will lead to six months imprisonment and fine of Rs50,000. A second escape attempt will lead to an 18 months imprisonment and fine of up to Rs0.1 million.