GUJRAT: The local administration got a 60-bed ward in the Aziz Bhatti Shaheed Teaching Hospital (ABSTH) vacated after a surge in Covid-19 cases. The existing 58-bed coronavirus ward is fully occupied.

Moreover, at least three mass vaccination centres were being established across the district, which may become functional by March 15.

Deputy Commissioner Saif Anwar Jappa told Dawn that due to a sudden rise in the Covid-19 cases, the medical superintendent of ABSTH had been directed to enhance the capacity of the coronavirus ward by getting another ward of 60 beds vacated, which would become operational on Monday (today).

He added that an emergency meeting of the senior management of the health department had been convened on Monday to take further decisions. At least two government schools in Jalalpur Jattan have been closed for seven days and three rural areas of the tehsil placed under smart lockdown.

Mr Jappa further said that the three vaccination centres would be established in the sports gymnasium in front of Zamindar College, Lalamusa’s local government academy and the Rescue 1122 building in Sarai Alamgir.

Published in Dawn, March 8th, 2021