Skip to main content

Pressure mounts on government to relax lockdown despite rising COVID-19 cases

By Mukhtar Alam
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The pressure has been mounting on the Government of Sindh for a review in the lockdown decision despite the continued rise in the number of cases being infected by coronavirus (COVID-19).

The medical experts are advising the Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah, for extension in the lockdown period but he was also looking up to the April 8 meeting of the National Coordination Committee, which had imposed restrictions as precautionary measures up to April 14. 

He has indicated that Sindh may take its own decision too after reviewing the disease situation and other relevant developments. 

During a meeting with the heads of private hospitals, he stated that their expertise and support was needed while the government was fighting against the corona epidemic in the province. He also urged them to ensure extra beds at their respective facility for coronavirus infected patients as government’s resources were limited. 

In his interaction with media during the day, he maintained that the government was making all efforts to increase the capacity for testing the corona suspected cases across the province. 

Meanwhile there have concerns in recent days that the long prevailing lockdown in Sindh, particularly in Karachi, has taken a toll on small traders and livelihood of daily wagers. 

The small and medium enterprises as well as the industries have requested the government to ease the lockdown situation in Karachi and the Chief Minister too has hinted that some standard operating procedures (SOPs) for industries and businesses were being devised for the post lockdown era. 

Various associations of trade and industry, among others, wanted the government to allow partial operations of all the industrial units in the city, while different market association, including those of mobile marketers, restaurants and bakers, also demanded opening of markets while promising to observe precautionary measures while dealing the customers. 

At a press conference on April 7, Sharjeel Goplani, speaking on behalf of timber traders, said that the coronavirus outbreak has caused enormous financial losses to the traders. 

“The Sindh government should provide loans on easy terms to timber traders and allow them to reopen their business as they are ready to comply with the governments’ health safety measures and corona related actions” the timber dealers stressed.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Ambassador explains Chinese role in curbing COVID-19

By Masood Sattar Khan  (Pakistan News & Features Services) The Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Yao Jing, attended the preparation and response plan of the new crown epidemic on April 24. According to the details shared by the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad, Ambassador Yao Jing was invited to attend the Pakistan New Crown Outbreak Preparation and Response Plan (PPRP) on video conference. The meeting, organized by the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was also attended by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Minister of Economic Affairs, Khasro Bakhtiar, Prime Minister’s Health Adviser Dr Zafar Mirza, Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority, General Muhammad Afzal, WHO Director-General, Tan Desai besides the representatives of World Bank, United Nations, UNICEF, UNHCR, Asian Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank and envoys from more than 20 countries.  Besides China, envoys from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, the European Unio...
Post a Comment
Read more

Corona field facility at Karachi Expo Centre may admit patients now

By Mukhtar Alam (Pakistan News & Features Services) The 1,200-bed field isolation centre at the Karachi Expo Centre, on April 6, will open its doors for new COVID-19 infected patients of Karachi and other parts of Sindh who will be referred to it by designated tertiary care hospitals, as the diseases infected another 51 people in six districts of Sindh on April 5.  A source in the provincial health department informed PNFS that authorities have decided not to overburden the designated tertiary care health facilities in terms of corona cases further.  The hospitals have now been asked to admit only new severely ill COVID-19 patients or those seeking intensive cares, while the rest will present at the newly established Expo Centre isolation facility, where the Sindh health department has deployed its doctors, paramedics and other human resources, the source added. Through a letter of the health department, all the district health officers of Karachi division have been asked ...
Post a Comment
Read more

KDSP: Empowering Individuals with Down Syndrome in Karachi

The Karachi Down Syndrome Program (KDSP), a beacon of hope and support, is making significant strides in empowering individuals with Down syndrome in the city. Founded in March 2014 by a group of passionate parents and individuals, KDSP addresses the critical need for comprehensive resources and platforms for those with Down syndrome in Karachi. Bridging the Gap: A Mission of Advocacy and Inclusion KDSP operates as a non-profit organization with a clear mission: to advocate for the value, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome. Recognizing the limited support and resources available locally, KDSP was established to provide a nurturing environment where individuals with Down syndrome can lead independent and fulfilling lives. A Lifelong Journey of Support Understanding the unique needs of individuals with Down syndrome and their families, KDSP offers unwavering support from the moment a family receives a diagnosis.  They embark on a journey with each family, pro...
Post a Comment
Read more