Experts ask govt to ensure smooth supply of goods in case of lockdown due to coronavirus

LAHORE: Experts have urged the government to ensure of a smooth supply of everyday items during lockdown due to the potential spread of coronavirus, reported The News.

Market insiders say that a mechanism should be developed for a lockdown that should ensure that food supplies are available across the country daily.

The food and beverage industry has been cautious regarding the steps being taken in case a lockdown is enforced by the government. Experts say that movement of people to food manufacturing facilities, transport of raw materials such as milk, grains, packaging, fuel should also be allowed without any hurdle.

Also read: Coronavirus outbreak: Shopping malls, picnic spots to close across Punjab for two days

Similarly, produced supplies to distributions and retail stores should remain open and free of any constraints. This will help the food industry to make round-the-clock safe food supplies possible so that masses can get essential items on store shelves during the ongoing crisis.

Experts also urged that the masses should be assured that they will be given unhindered food supplies so that availability of these items remains smooth and panic buying is stopped. Administrative measures in this regard would lead to controlling prices of essential items as well.

Moreover, systematic measures for food supplies would ultimately make sure that food items continue to be available with the advent of the holy month of Ramazan after about a month.

Originally published in The News