Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar met with anchorpersons, columnists and senior journalists on Thursday and apprised them about the steps being taken by the Punjab government to deal with the coronavirus. He stated that coronavirus has spread in more than 80 countries where 95 thousand people have been affected by it. The number of affectees in China is 80 thousand while more than 53 thousand patients have been recovered. Meanwhile, more than 3200 patients have lost their lives, he added. He told that number of coronavirus patients is five in Pakistan while no coronavirus case has been reported in Punjab. However, comprehensive SOPs are being implemented to deal with the coronavirus threat, he added. The chief minister observed that media’s role is important for public sensitization adding that Punjab government started precautionary measures many days before reporting of coronavirus case in Pakistan. A cabinet committee has been constituted to keep a vigilant eye on a daily basis, he said. Similarly, Rs236 million have been released for the procurement of necessary equipment and high dependency units have been set up in the hospitals of central, north and south Punjab. Similarly, foreigners’ screening is being done at airports and other entry points, he added. He said Punjab government is in close contact with the federal government and situation is being monitored round-the-clock. The Punjab government is ready to deal with any situation and I have held meetings as well as visited coronavirus monitoring control room, he added. The coronavirus diagnostic facility is available in Lahore and pilgrims coming from Iran have also been screened. Similarly, a working group has been constituted to take steps, he further said. Replying to a question about southern Punjab secretariat, the chief minister said funds have been allocated in the budget for southern Punjab secretariat and a meeting has also been called in the CM Office. The Prime Minister Imran Khan will be given a briefing about the establishment of southern Punjab secretariat next week. He added that good relations exist with PML-Q in Punjab.
Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid said the screening of more than three thousand Chinese has been completed and the situation is normal in Punjab. Necessary arrangements have been made in hospitals and it is also imperative to create public awareness. Industries Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal said mask is not required for a healthy human being but essential for doctors and other hospital staff. The Information Minister Fayyaz-ul-Hassan Chohan said the media has always played a constructive role for creating public awareness and added that we need to develop awareness for safety from coronavirus. Finance Minister Hashim Jawan Bakht said steps are being taken for the availability of essential items. Energy Minister Muhammad Akhtar Malik said that people need not worry about and adopt precautionary measures as chances of recovery of coronavirus patients are greater. Secretary Primary & Secondary Healthcare briefed about dealing with the coronavirus. Mussarat Jamshed Cheema MPA, Chief Secretary, IG Police, ACS (Home), administrative secretaries and high officials were also present.