Section 144 across imposed in Punjab amid coronavirus fears
The section-144 has been imposed for three weeks in the province
LAHORE (Dunya News) – In order to tackle the novel coronavirus pandemic that has killed over 5,000 people across the world, the Punjab government on Sunday imposed section 144 across the province, banning gathering of people.
The section-144 has been imposed for three weeks in the province to contain the spread of the virus.
The provincial government has also barred people from hand sanitizers hoarding and charging extra price.
On Thursday, the provincial government had declared a medical emergency after 20 cases of coronavirus were confirmed in the country.
The announcement was made by Provincial Health Minister Dr. Yasmeen Rashid. She said three hospitals of Punjab are ready to deal with Coronavirus cases.
“We need to take the coronavirus epidemic seriously. Precautionary measures such as unnecessarily touching face, shaking hands should be avoided,” she said, adding that precautionary measures will help in curbing the spread of the virus.
Rashid added, “If an emergency has been declared, people need to take the situation seriously. Public gatherings needs to be avoided.”
Meanwhile, the deadly virus that first originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December last year has claimed over 5,000 lives and infected more than 150,000 people across 135 countries and territories.
China remains the hardest-hit with more than 80,000 infections and 3,199 deaths.
No death has been reported in Pakistan while two persons have died in India due to the disease. So far, 35 cases of coronavirus have been reported in Pakistan and there are 107 confirmed cases in India.
Afghanistan has reported 11 confirmed cases while Sri Lanka’ tally has risen to 10. Other members - Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan - have reported cases in single digit.
All countries have individually taken measures to prevent spread of virus within their borders.
