People stood side by side when the minister inaugurated the virus research laboratory in Patiala
Patiala:
The Punjab Minister of Medical Education, OP Soni, launched a virus research laboratory in Patiala on Wednesday with little respect for the rules of social distancing.
The minister was surrounded by doctors, police, university employees and the media during the inauguration of a laboratory for viral research and diagnosis in the city. People could be seen side by side as the Minister addressed them during the event. Although those who attended the event wore masks, the call to “do-gaaz doori” (6 feet away) was completely ignored. Representatives of the media, police and staff can be seen surrounding the Minister as he enters to inaugurate the laboratory.
A senior health officer, when asked about the violations committed during the lab’s inauguration, said, “All are policy makers. They should take responsibility and follow the guidelines themselves.”
Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, struggling with the coronavirus pandemic in the state, has launched a “Mission Fateh” campaign to combat the spread of the deadly virus. However, the ministers in his cabinet do not seem to agree with the chief minister.
In a similar incident, Minister of Industries and Trade Sunder Sham Arora attended the coronation ceremony of the chairman of the district market committee in Hoshiarpur district on Tuesday. Deputies, workers and party supporters were seen clicking photos with the minister while flouting the rules of social distancing.
The minister, when asked about the event, was quick to reject the allegations, adding: “I tell you all (media) to maintain a social distance. Leave the public who attended the event alone.”
The director of health services has issued a fine of £ 2,000 this week for those who break social distancing rules. The Hoshiarpur and Patiala district administration has so far taken no action in these cases.
Punjab has reported to date at least 2,342 cases of coronavirus and 46 deaths.
