PESHAWAR: The number of Covid-19 patients has declined and there are only 20 patients in intensive care units throughout the province while the utilisation of ventilators has dropped by 84 per cent compared to the situation a month ago.

This was told to a meeting of Provincial Task Force on Covid-19 held here on Thursday with Chief Minister Mahmood Khan in the chair.

Provincial ministers Taimur Saleem Jhagra, Akbar Ayub, Sultan Khan, Corps Commander Peshawar Lt Gen Nauman Mahmood, Chief Secretary Dr Kazim Niaz and other high ranking civil and military officials attended the meeting, a statement said.

The meeting was informed that there had been a significant decline in Covid-19 cases whereas recovery ratio was above 90 per cent.

It was told that 34,171 patients out of total 36,340 had recovered and 1,255 had passed away of the pandemic so far.

Use of ventilators has dropped by 84pc

The chief minister directed the authorities concerned to conduct maximum tests in the districts where processions and gatherings with regard to Muharram held.

Preparations regarding reopening of educational institutes were reviewed and it was decided that the final decision to this effect would be taken in consultation with National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC). Separate SOPs for hostels and transport of educational institutes have also been notified.

The disinfection of the schools used as quarantine centres is also in progress and detailed SOPs have been issued with special focus on use of face mask for staff and students, hand washing, ensuring regular cleanliness etc.

All the educational institutes are bound to immediately inform the district health department in case of coronavirus symptoms in children.

The meeting was told that education department was in close contact with the federal ministry of education and National Command and Operation Centre regarding the reopening of educational institutes.

Readiness certificates would also be provided by the heads of educational institutes by the September 7.

Similarly, workshops have been arranged for teachers to ensure safe reopening of schools.

All the district education officers have been directed to keep close liaison with district health department and administration to facilitate random testing for coronavirus in schools on need basis.

The health department will be requested to undertake Covid-19 test if the suspected cases are reported.

A communication campaign would be launched after the final decision of federal government by September 7.

The meeting was briefed about the immediate response and targeted measures taken to mitigate the impact of pandemic on education of children.

Under the E-initiatives of the education departments, dedicated TV channel was started for online education of children.

Similarly, learning portal, YouTube channel, Taaleem Ghar and virtual teacher forum have been launched for the purpose.

The meeting was informed that more than 1.6 million tourists visited the tourists sites during the current session and 4,738 tests of tourists were carried out in different areas of the province.

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2020