Citizens who avoid vaccination will have their mobile SIMS blocked, Punjab govt announces

The decision was taken at a meeting presided over by provincial health minister Dr Yasmin Rashid who was reviewing the pandemic-related situation in the province.

Among other key decisions was to allow opening of all businesses in districts with 20 per cent vaccination.   

The decisions were taken at a meeting presided over by provincial health minister Dr Yasmin Rashid who was reviewing the pandemic-related situation across the province.

Among other key decisions was to allow opening of all businesses in districts with 20 per cent vaccination ratio. 

It was also decided that mobile vaccnination camps would be set up outside shrines and citizens with 18 years age and above would be vaccinated throuh walk-in from June 12.  

The health minister reviewed measures to stop Corona spread, increase in number of vaccination centers, addition of health services and other measures.  

“We have seen considerable decrease in number of cases. The government is utilising all out resources for control of COVID-19. We are ensuring vaccination of all citizens at 677 centers in Punjab," the minister said. 

"Now people can get vaccinated on showing CNIC. People can contact 1033 for complaints or queries regarding vaccination. All districts will ensure vaccination of people."

The government further decided that vaccinated people would be allowed to join cinema halls, marriage halls, and restaurants.

"People suffering terminal illnesses like HIV/AIDS and cancer shall now be vaccinated on priority," the minister further said.

The Chief Secretary Punjab said that maximum possible facilities are being provided at vaccination centers. He said in districts having 20% population vaccinated, businesses will be opened subject to compliance with masks. He said vaccination process will be completed successfully in the province.

Earlier, the government was preparing a proposal to impose several restrictions on the people who did not take the COVID jab.

According to sources, a meeting on the coronavirus task force was held under the chairmanship of Punjab Health Minister Yasmin Rashid in which various suggestions regarding increasing the vaccination process were presented.

According to sources, the meeting proposed to impose several restrictions including banning non-vaccinated individuals from entering the shopping malls and hotels.

The proposal to block the mobile SIM cards of those who have not been vaccinated was also considered.

Dr Yasmin Rashid said that protection of people's health and lives is the top priority of the government while getting rid of the coronavirus is possible only through inoculation.

She said that all possible steps would be taken to control COVID-19 speed and the target of vaccination across the province would be met in all cases as per the NCOC guidelines.

Punjab Health Minister said that a target of daily vaccination has been set for each district in terms of population.

On the other hand, Punjab Chief Secretary said that paucities in the vaccination, targets would not be tolerated and the performance of the districts related to vaccination would be reviewed regularly.

The Chief Secretary directed to expedite the process of vaccination in the districts with low immunization and said that the officers of the districts which did not meet the targets would be grilled.