Vaccine, SOPs key to checking virus: Yasmin Rashid

LAHORE : Following the guidelines of the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) to contain the spread of coronavirus on Eid Ul Azha, the Punjab government has decided to observe a week for the implementation of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and vaccination till July 18.

The Home Department has set up a provincial control room for monitoring and directions have been issued to all the administrative and police officers to form teams to check SOPs violations at markets, parks, restaurants, wedding halls, and other public places. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Health Minister Dr Yasmeen Rashid and Chief Secretary at the Civil Secretariat here on Saturday, with the senior member board of revenue, additional chief secretary, additional chief secretary (home), secretaries of the health department, commissioner, CCPO and deputy commissioner Lahore in attendance. The divisional commissioners, RPOs, and deputy commissioners participated through the video link.

Speaking at the meeting, Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid said vaccination and precautionary measures are essential to ward off Covid-19. She said people should make it a habit to wear a mask and keep social distance. She maintained that the purpose of observing the week is to contain the spread of the virus on Eid. The Punjab chief secretary said complacency on Eidul Azha can trigger the fourth wave of the pandemic. He asked the deputy commissioners and district police officers (DPOs) to ensure the implementation of SOPs and submit a report daily. He said in case of non-compliance with precautions, stricter measures would have to be taken.

Expressing displeasure over low vaccination in some districts including Kasur, the chief secretary ordered immediate transfer of CEO Health Kasur for poor performance. He said corona vaccination campaign is a national cause and negligence in this regard would not be tolerated at all.