Following the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar, a special meeting of the Cabinet Committee for Anti-Corona was held at the CM Office.

The body expressed grave concerns over the increase in numbers of corona patients in the province and decided to impose smart lockdown in affected areas.

The meeting took notice over the violation of SOPs in markets and bazaars and decided to close such spots so that the spread of such a deadly disease could be stemmed.

Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid told the meeting that a total of 418 patients were under treatment in public hospitals and 76 were in critical condition.

The minister shared with the participants of the meeting the steps her ministry was taking to cope with the challenge, saying the department would buy more PCR kits for corona tests.

Mian Aslam Iqbal said that all necessary measures will be taken to deal with the second wave of coronavirus.  

He stated that the numbers of corona patients are increasing due to not wearing masks.  He said traders will be bound to enforce wearing masks in markets and bazaars.

The meeting was agreed to evolve a strategy for the best management of the beds in the hospitals and for this purpose a separate dashboard will be set up which will provide all the information regarding beds in the hospital. \

Public health is the most important and all the necessary decisions will be taken to protect the lives of the people. It was decided in the meeting to declare Rawalpindi Institute of Urology as corona hospital.

Proposal for introducing rapid test was also reviewed in the meeting. The technical group will present final recommendations in this regard.  

A committee has been set up under the leadership of Dr Yasmin Rashid and Mian Aslam for setting up SOPs for the marriage halls and marquees which will present its final recommendations within 24 hours.

Provincial Ministers Dr Yasmin Rashid, Mian Aslam Iqbal, Special Assistant to CM for Information Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, Chief Secretary, Inspector General Police, SMBR, Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Commissioner Lahore Division, Secretary Specialized Healthcare & Medical Education, Secretary Primary & Secondary Health, high ranking civil and military officers attended the meeting. Commissioners of Multan and Rawalpindi divisions participated through video link.