Punjab makes face mask mandatory for a week in smog-hit areas. In response to escalating air pollution levels in smog-affected districts of Punjab, the caretaker government has issued a week-long mandate, making it obligatory for all citizens to wear face masks.
Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi underscored the collective responsibility to prioritize health, urging strict adherence to safety guidelines for the greater well-being of the community.
A notification from Punjab’s healthcare department outlined the severity of the Air Quality Index (AQI) due to smog, emphasizing the imminent threat to public health across all age groups.
The government called upon citizens to adopt comprehensive safety measures to prevent and control airborne diseases throughout the province.
Under the approval of the chief minister, the Secretary of the Primary & Secondary Healthcare Department, Ali Jan Khan, announced a compulsory directive for citizens to wear face masks during all outdoor activities.
This mandate specifically applies to the high AQI areas in Lahore Division (District Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur) and Gujranwala Division (District Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahuddin) for the period of November 20, 2023, to November 26, 2023.
In addition to the face mask mandate, the government is actively considering artificial rain as a measure to address the escalating pollution.
Provincial Environment Minister Bilal Afzal has proposed the formation of a dedicated team and working group to facilitate artificial rain, including exploring the possibility of utilizing aircraft for this purpose.
Several districts in Punjab, notably Lahore, Jhang, Hafizabad, Khanewal, Nankana, Bahawalnagar, and Sheikhupura, are grappling with alarming levels of air pollution.
Concurrently, the Lahore High Court has issued directives to close all schools and colleges on Saturdays in the affected districts.
The court has also instructed the government to implement a two-day-a-week work-from-home policy to mitigate the impact of smog on public health and daily activities.
As Punjab makes face mask mandatory for a week in smog-hit areas, check CM Naqvi’s Tweet:
In response to deteriorating Air Quality, the Punjab Government announces a 1-week mandate for wearing of face masks for all citizens in smog effected districts of Punjab. Prioritising health is our collective responsibility. Please adhere to the guidelines for a safer community. pic.twitter.com/qe3jBdUjvY
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) November 19, 2023
