The Punjab government is mulling over different measures to control the COVID-19 spread across the province, especially in Lahore where a complete lockdown may be imposed due to a high positivity ratio, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said Monday.
The statement from the government spokesperson came as the COVID-19 situation in the provincial capital worsened further despite smart lockdowns and other restrictions.
Awan said people are not following the coronavirus SOPs and the results are not encouraging from Lahore and other five major cities of the province where the authorities have imposed smark lockdowns.
“A decision will be taken today whether to impose a complete lockdown or not. Punjab CM Usman Buzdar would make an announcement,” she said.
The meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Coronavirus is underway to review the pandemic situation and take further steps needed to control the spread.
The session is being attended by provincial ministers Raja Basharat, Dr Yasmin Rahsid, Mian Aslam Iqbal, Murad Raas, Yasir Humayon, Firdous Ashiq Awan and other senior government officials.
The surge in Lahore is overwhelming hospitals, as the death count and new patients spike in what could be the worst stretch of the pandemic to date in the province.
Earlier, the Punjab Health Department and the district administration have prepared recommendations for a complete lockdown after a sharp rise in coronavirus cases in Lahore.
According to sources, a complete lockdown in Lahore will be recommended before the Cabinet Committee on Coronavirus. It will be proposed to close all wedding halls, restaurants and public transport in Lahore.
It will also be proposed to close all business places and markets in Lahore. The Punjab Health Department and the district administration will present recommendations to the Punjab Chief Minister.
Health department sources said that the positive rate of coronavirus cases in Lahore has reached 23% while the situation is deteriorating further. If Lahore is not completely locked down, the situation could get out of control.
There have been more than 112,000 cases of coronavirus and more than 2,500 deaths in Lahore. These recommendations were made at a meeting of the Corona Advisory Group.