LAHORE: The Punjab cabinet committee on combating coronavirus threat has decided to devise a separate strategy for overcoming the Covid-19 in the provincial metropolis.

The meeting decided to formulate an expert working group for devising a separate model for Lahore and to present its recommendations to the National Command and Control Centre for final approval.

A comparison of Covid-19 cases among districts in Punjab shows there are 22,749 coronavirus cases in Lahore while Rawalpindi, that falls second in the list of 35 districts, has 3,561 patients. Lahore has also recorded the highest number of deaths(300)so far, followed by 171 deaths in Rawalpindi.

Chairing the cabinet committee meeting at his office on Thursday, Chief Minister Usman Buzdar reviewed different measures for overcoming the spread of the coronavirus. The meeting took stock of different matters, including patients’ case management and an increase in the number of beds, in hospitals.

Expressing concern over an increase in the number of coronavirus patients in Punjab, especially Lahore, the meeting decided that more steps would be taken to stop community transmission by utilising all-out resources. The participants agreed to expedite concerted efforts through effective coordination between civil and military organisations. It was also decided to ensure strict compliance of masks’ use and any violation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) in markets and commercial areas be dealt with strictly. The meeting decided to go for advance planning, keeping in view the likely future situation of the coronavirus. It was decided that educational institutions would not be opened in the prevailing circumstances while all safety measures keeping in view the possibility of floods would be taken.

CM Buzdar said the people must show responsibility and shoulder the government’s efforts to deal with the coronavirus in a befitting manner. He directed that separate policies be devised for Lahore and other cities and warned that no delay should occur in this regard. More steps would be taken in light of experts’ recommendations, he added.

The CM asked the irrigation and line departments to complete their arrangements for combating any possibility of flood. The meeting appreciated the efforts of medical staff and the CM thanked the military leadership for extending cooperation in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.

Corps Commander Lt-Gen Majid Ehsan assured the Punjab government of providing every possible assistance for overcoming the spread of the coronavirus as it was a national challenge.

The meeting was attended by GOC Maj-Gen Muhammad Aneequr Rehman Malik, DG Rangers Punjab Maj-Gen Muhammad Aamir Majeed, Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid, Chief Secretary, IG Police, ACS (Home), Commissioner Lahore and other senior civil and military officers.

Published in Dawn, June 12th, 2020