Helpline set up over coronavirus at LGH

LAHORE:On the directions of the Punjab government, the Lahore General Hospital (LGH) has established a helpline to guide coronavirus patients by telephone.

The helpline number is 042-99268808-9. Doctors have been deputed 24/7 for guidance of the masses for coronavirus precautionary measures.

Postgraduate Medical Institute Principal Prof Muhammad Al-fareed Zafar said public service message through SMS facility had also been started to spread awareness about coronavirus and the messages would be delivered to all doctors, civil society, the media and people related to the medical field.

Prof Al-fareed Zafar said, "In the war against coronavirus we all have to put our share, and concrete planning has already been ensured in all departments of Lahore General Hospital.” He also assured that one patient one attendant policy would also be implemented in letter and spirit.

Teachers’ body postpones protest: In developing situation vis-à-vis coronavirus in the country, Punjab Teachers Union (PTU) has announced postponement of its protest demonstration scheduled for March 25 outside the Punjab Assembly.

In a press release, PTU leaders said that, however, the decision about April 18 protest would be taken accordingly. Similarly, they added the PTU had also postponed its protests scheduled to be held in other parts of the province.

Fake police circular condemned: A spokesman for Lahore police has renounced a fake circular supposedly issued by Akbri Mandi police declaring closure of small markets as well as Akbari Market in the wake of coronavirus.

In the fake circular, traders were asked to close markets by April 5. The spokesman said that such policy decisions could not be made at the SHO level. In the light of government guidelines, any decision is only authorised to be made by the CCPO.

The spokesman expressed regret over the irresponsible attitude on the social media in the context of the coronavirus, saying negative speculation would have to be avoided during difficult times.

“Even small rumor can have major implications,” warned the spokesman. He said that CCPO Zulfiqar Hameed had ordered action against fake circular issuer. Morover, he also urged the media to confirm such news before broadcasting.