Punjab CM Directs Strict Enforcement Of COVID1-19 SOPs

By Muhammad JuniadPublished On 05 Jan 2023

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Usman Buzdar on Monday directed strict enforcement of coronavirus-related Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in the province.

In a bid to curb rising coronavirus cases in Punjab, Usman Buzdar has ordered officials to ensure implementation of updated SOPs and said that no compromise can be made on the health of the masses as it is the government’s top priority. He said that police, local administration should enforce updated business hours.

CM Buzdar said that government is fully aware of difficulties being faced by the business community but the government took necessary steps to stop the spread of the virus.

On the other hand, due to the spike in coronavirus cases, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has issued the new COVID-19 SOPS for seven districts on Monday.

According to the details, the provincial government took special measures to curb the spread of coronavirus in seven districts by reducing the market timings and banning public events.

The KP government issued orders for the closure of markets till 8:00 pm in its capital Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshehra, Abbottabad, Swat, Swabi, and Malakand. However, it has allowed some shops of essential goods including pharmacies, bakeries, grocery stores, and others to remain open.

According to a notification, a complete ban was imposed on wedding halls and in-door restaurants besides giving orders to organize the wedding events in open areas with limited participation of people up to 300.

The province also banned all cultural, sports events, cinemas, shrines while public parks will be closed till 6:00 pm.

The KP’s decision for imposing restrictions and reducing the business hours is followed by Punjab due to soaring cases of the coronavirus.