ISLAMABAD: The chief secretary Punjab on Friday told the National Command and Operation Centre meeting in Islamabad that strict coronavirus standard operating procedures (SOPs) and social distancing would be ensured, whereas on violation the entire market, business center and plaza would be sealed.

He said that around 650,000 rupees fines were also imposed on the transport sector for violating the SOPs whereas a fine would also be imposed on not wearing face masks at public places and high risk areas.

Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar was chairing the forum on this occasion. He said heart of the strategy to contain risk of contagion was to ensure Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs), compliance and enforcement of quarantine measures.

The minister said all measures should be implemented swiftly to make strategy a success in overcoming risk of outbreak spread.

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The provincial chief secretaries including Gilgit Baltistan, Azad Kashmir informed the NCOC that strict administrative action had been initiated against the violators of SOPs and social distancing in public places and high risk areas of markets, public transport and industrial sectors.

The chief secretary Sindh informed the forum that business centres, bazaars and markets violating the SOPs and safety guidelines were issued strict warning notices.

The chief secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa mentioned that public compliance of SOPs and safety measures was not satisfactory rather careless attitude was witnessed.

He said decisions made in NCC meeting on 1st June and NCOC sessions on 2nd and 3rd of this month, were sent for implementation to provincial administration.

In this context, two complete markets in various districts including Peshawar were sealed on violating safety protocols.

He said around 25,000, ‘No Masks No Service’ informative banners and slings have been displayed across the province to make awareness among the masses to comply wearing masks.

Chief Secretary Balochistan informed the forum that keeping in view the increasing number of positive cases after opening of the shops the provincial administration has prepared a comprehensive plan to initiate stringent action against violation of SOPs and safety measures.

Chief Secretary Gilgit Baltistan apprised the forum that smart lockdown strategy was implemented earlier that helped in minimizing disease spread.

He said a fine of 100 rupees is being imposed on the person not wearing mask in public places.

AJK Chief Secretary briefed the forum that transport was opened in the valley with SOPs compliance whereas effective contact tracing is being carried to trace affected patients and their close contacts.