Expecting a surge in COVID-19 crisis, PIMS to evoke high alert status from July 20

ISLAMABAD: Anticipating an "extraordinary surge" in COVID-19 cases in the coming weeks owing to the Eid-ul-Azha and Muharram congregations, the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) has called for maintaining a high alert status from July 20 till two months, reported The News. 

The hospital aims to implement the order to ensure emergency care and treatment is made available to COVID-19 patients in the hospital. A circular issued by Joint Executive Director of PIMS Dr Minhaj us Siraj disallowed long leaves for all hospital staff till the high alert order is maintained, which will be till September 20. 

"Emergency duty rosters must reach the administration offices by July 20. The pharmacy staff is directed to maintain supplies of drugs, medicines, PPE, and related articles in abundance," read the circular. 

The circular also called on trade unions to desist from agitations and protests especially while the pandemic lasts. 

“Agitations, protests, processions and trade union activities by healthcare workers for political or personal interests are illegal, irrational, unethical, and must be avoided, more specifically during the pandemic," stated the circular.