QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alyani presided over a meeting on Thursday to monitor measures taken by the divisional and district authorities to contain the Covid-19 and locust outbreaks in Rakhsan division.

Matters relating to the implementation of Ehsaas programme, ration distribution among the needy people and daily wage workers, and the locust issue came under discussion.

Commissioners of all seven divisions of the province briefed the meeting about Covid-19. The meeting was held through video link. It was decided that the facility of screen testing would be extended to the levels of districts and union councils. Mr Alyani instructed the surveillance committees established under assistant commissioners to step up their efforts.

He also directed the commissioners to submit suggestions for Eid congregations under which social distancing could be ensured. He instructed the police authorities to assist the district management in its tasks besides performing their professional responsibilities and duties.

The commissioners must take measures and steps against dengue and malaria, he added. “According to the World Health Organisation, effects of the pandemic may extend and we cannot deny its intensity; therefore in this present scenario a long-term and comprehensive planning is required,” the chief minister told reporters.

Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2020