TAXILA: Attock Deputy Commissioner Ali Annan Qammar on Tuesday visited different cities to check suitable sites for setting up quarantine facilities for the coronavirus suspects.

He visited the proposed quarantine centres and respective hospitals to check the preparedness.

The DC told Dawn during his visit to the THQ hospital Hassanabdal that keeping in view the number of people returning from Iran, the district administration had set up a quarantine centre in the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital.

“We’ve just completed the training of doctors and paramedical staff to treat coronavirus cases. A surveillance mechanism has also been devised to monitor the situation,” he added.

He said an isolation ward had been established at the DHQ hospital while quarantine centres were being set up in schools and colleges in different cities.

He said steps were being taken to ensure enforcement of Section 144.

“Strict action will be taken against opening of educational institutions, banquet halls, markets, universities, tuition centres, seminaries, congregation or four or more people as well as holding of any exams,” he explained.

He said a crackdown against those found involved in hoarding of hand sanitisers and face masks was underway and the citizens could get both the items at controlled rates from spots announced by the district administration.

He said cleanliness and precaution were major safety measures against the disease. He asked the citizens to adopt precautionary measures instead of getting panicked.

Published in Dawn, March 18th, 2020