With reports of an increase in Covid-19 cases in Punjab after Eidul Azha, the government has prepared standard operating procedures (SOPs) specific for the upcoming events of Independence Day and Muharram.
A meeting of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) was held on Friday which discussed, in detail, the roadmap and measures being adopted to open various sectors and the preparedness ahead of Independence Day celebrations and Muharram.
It was informed that a complete code of conduct had been devised to ensure social distancing, wearing of masks and compliance with SOPs.
The meeting — presided over by Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar — was told that SOPs for Muharram had been prepared under which only registered processions would be allowed to be taken out and their organisers asked to avoid narrow streets. Speakers would have to wear masks and maintain a distance of at least six feet from the first row of the majlis participants.
Similarly, the use of sanitisers at the entry points and wearing of masks would be mandatory for those attending Independence Day events.
Mr Umar had announced on Thursday that the government was reopening sectors like tourism, transport (trains and flights), marriage halls, hotels and restaurants from August 10.
He gave the credit for the reduction in coronavirus cases to citizens for their observance of the SOPs.
The minister said health guidelines should be followed while reopening the closed sectors.
“Coronavirus threat is still there and if health guidelines are not followed, there is always a threat of the disease spreading again,” he warned.
“People of Pakistan have shown great patience and complied with the health guidelines. If the same spirit is followed till Muharram, it will help mitigate the health challenges,” he added.
Mr Umar urged the federal and provincial administrations to ensure public safety and wellbeing by implementing effective measures during Muharram.
Federal Minister for Interior retired Brig Ejaz Ahmed Shah and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan also attended the meeting.
Meanwhile, according to media reports, virus cases have increased again in Punjab after Eidul Azha.
The number of cases per day, which had dropped to below 100 during the last one week, has increased to around 300.
The reports said though some medical experts were not worried with the increase in cases, calling it a routine surge, others believed that it might be a signal to a beginning of a second wave of Covid-19.
On Thursday, Punjab reported 277 new confirmed cases and five deaths during the last 24 hours as against 235 a day earlier.
