SUKKUR: Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday observed that most of the people quarantined at different isolation centres in Sindh over the last couple of months had been sent home after they tested negative for Covid-19.

He was speaking to the media after visiting the quarantine centre and Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplant (SIUT) here on Thursday.

CM Shah informed the media that an 80-bed isolation centre at Khairpur and a 50-bed facility at Gambat had been established. More than 1,650 tests had been conducted till date and the number was being increased on an emergency basis, he added.

During his visits, the CM appreciated the efforts put in by the managements and staff of various quarantine/isolation centres. He especially lauded the sense of responsibility and dedication with which doctors and paramedics were handling suspected and confirmed coronavirus cases. He noted that other employees as well as volunteers were also taking good care of the patients.

At SIUT, the CM received a briefing about the working of the hospital and facilities made available to patients.

Mr Shah told local reporters at Sukkur commissioner’s office that thousands of people had been quarantined at different isolation centres in the province. About 70 per cent of them had already been sent home after they tested negative for coronavirus. He hoped that the remaining ones currently under observation would also leave for their homes after tests to be performed soon.

He pointed out that the biggest quarantine centre in Sindh was set up in Sukkur where more than 1,500 pilgrims were brought in batches. He said around 280 of them were found to have contracted the virus but 90pc of them had now been discharged as they tested negative after treatment. He said only seven persons were undergoing treatment at the centre.

The chief minister put the Covid-19 mortality figures in Sindh at 45, citing official records.

Regarding the lockdown enforced by his government, he said realised the hardships being faced by people, but saving people’s lives was of greater importance to him.

About relief operation, the CM said: “I [am] more than satisfied with transparency [being observed] in the distribution of ration bags among the needy”. He urged the federal government to increase the number of counters for disbursement of financial aid to the poor.

He directed the police authorities to strictly check pillion riding during the ban period. He said it was also a duty of citizens to realise their responsibilities and follow the SOPs enforced by district administrations. He warned that violation of orders would not be tolerated. “Everyone must take care of himself and others,” he remarked.

The CM observed that around 100 of the pilgrims who returned home by air were found to have contracted coronavirus. He said that he intended to set up more testing centres with trained staff wearing protective gear at division level.

In reply to a question about relaxation in lockdown during Ramazan, Mr Shah said he was consulting ulema and other religious scholars belonging to different schools of thought regarding congregational prayers. However, he added, he would advise people to keep offering prayers at home.

Published in Dawn, April 17th, 2020