In view of an improved situation, the Punjab government on Saturday lifted most of the restrictions imposed under lockdown policies last year in an attempt to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. The provincial government issued a notification regarding the lifting of the restrictions. After the outbreak of the pandemic early last year, the government had taken safety measures to protect the citizens. All business, office, educational and recreational activities were suspended in the wake of the pandemic. Later, areas that reported over 4% positive cases of coronavirus were put under smart lockdown. Even now, the academic activities will not fully resume in the schools of seven districts of Punjab with a high number of Covid-19 cases. Meanwhile, the frontline health workers are being administered the Covid-19 vaccine in the first phase. According to Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Secretary Captain (retd) Mohammad Usman, the restriction on working hours has been lifted for all business activities and amusement spots. Moreover, the orders for 50% staff working from home have also been withdrawn. With the implementation of the notification, all the staff will be allowed to work in offices. Indoor weddings and other events will also be allowed subject to adherence to the safety standard operating procedures (SOPs), while shrines and tombs will be opened for visitors from March 15. The cinema halls will also be opened. However, the people will have to strictly adhere to the SOPs, including wearing face masks. “By complying with the coronavirus-related SOPs, we have fulfilled our obligations as a responsible nation and protected ourselves from serious consequences of the deadly disease,” the official said. The complete lockdown was imposed during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic in Punjab. Later, the government eased the restrictions and imposed smart lockdown in specific areas. SOPs were issued for all the departments to observe social distancing. According to the health department, the SOPs would be fully observed even after the end of the lockdown and arrangements will be ensured for the treatment of the patients in hospitals. The country’s most populous province has reported 170,817 cases of the disease during the first and second waves of the pandemic, while the number of fatalities has reached 5,337. As many as 3,278,361 coronavirus tests have been conducted in the province, while 160, 685 confirmed patients have recovered. Lahore has reported the highest number of deaths from the disease of 2,134, while only two people succumbed to the virus in Khanewal. The total number of coronavirus patients reported in the provincial capital is 87,146. People aged 21 to 30 years were the most affected as more than 40,000 people from the age group contracted the virus. Similarly, 35,000 patients in the age bracket of 31 to 40 years were affected, followed by the 41-50 and 51-60 age groups. However, children aged below 10 years and people above 60 years of age were also affected during the second wave of the pandemic. The number of women patients also increased during the second wave. As per health department sources, administrative action, including imposition of smart lockdown, may be taken in areas where the number of patients increases in future. Presently, prime importance is being given to vaccination. After the frontline health workers, citizens aged above 60, and later those aged 50 to 60 years will be registered for vaccination. Published in The Express Tribune, February 28th, 2021.
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