CM Usman Buzdar announces 14-day social distancing in Punjab

LAHORE (92 News) – Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has announced a 14-day social distancing in the province from Tuesday. Giving a briefing to the media through video link about the decisions made in the cabinet committee for anti-coronavirus, the chief minister said that it was not a curfew and lockdown. “The Pun jab finance minister will present a plan for the poor in the cabinet meeting,” he said. Sardar Usman Buzdar said that a little change has been made in routine life. “We salute doctors, nurses and paramedics performing duty during this difficult time. We can end the lockdown early if the situation improves,” he said. He said that stay-at-home is the only way to protect against coronavirus. “All government and private departments, parks and tourist resorts will remain closed from March 24 (9am) to April 6 (9am). Sardar Usman Buzdar said that there will be a ban on pillion riding. “However, there will be no ban on families. Shops manufacturing food items and medicines will remain open. Vegetable markets and fruit shops will also remain open,” he added. He said that it would be no curfew, but a lockdown like the previous two days. “Essential service providers, including WASA, WAPDA and telecom companies will continue to work and Edhi and other welfare organizations are also permitted to continue their pro bono work.” To a question, he replied that a committee headed by finance minister will present its recommendations to ameliorate the economic difficulties of daily wage earners in the cabinet meeting to be on March 24. The chief minister announced that line departments will perform their duties in case of any violation as section 144 is imposed in the province. He told that out of a total of 246 coronavirus patients in Punjab, 171 are quarantined in DG Khan. He thanked the people for abiding by the government appeal of staying at homes for two days, adding that it is the best way to avoid coronavirus. He also paid tributes to Pakistan Army, civil administration, medical staff and local bodies' employees and media for performing their duties in this hour of trial. To another question, he said that food items are available in abundance; there is no shortage and supply-chain of eatables will remain to continue in Punjab. Provincial Ministers Raja Basharat, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Mian Aslam Iqbal, Fayyazul-Hassan Chohan, Mussarat Jamshed Cheema MPA and secretaries of Information and Health departments were also present.