Javed Khan
BOONI: After a protest demonstration by traders, the district administration on Monday tightened the implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) prepared by the government to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Addressing a gathering of traders at Booni Chowk on Saturday, traders association president Muhammad Shafi had warned the district administration and the police against forcing traders to get themselves tested for coronavirus.
He said the administration in order to meet its target was collecting samples from traders of Booni only and not bothering to go outside the town such as Sonoghur, Parwak and Mastuj.
He said if the administration continued its drive in Booni bazaar the traders would go on a shutterdown protest.
But early on Monday, Additional Assistant Commissioner Booni Mukaram Khan Afridi along with Riaz Ahmed and Shagufta Sarwar, under-training assistant commissioners (UT-ACs), visited Booni bazaar and other areas and took action against people not following the SOPs.
The officials issued challans to those not wearing masks, failing to maintain social distancing as well as for poor cleanliness and maintenance in hotels.
The officials also visited grocery stores and checked prices of essential commodities and warned shopkeepers of action in case of overpricing. Chicken shops were also inspected to ensure cleanliness and prices of meat and live chickens.
The officials told ChitralToday that the SOPs had been prepared by the government in order to check the spread of the virus and the local administration would ensure its strict implementation for the safety of the citizens.
They said the residents should avoid complacency regarding the intensity of the virus, saying it was still spreading and a little carelessness could create more health issues both for the public and the government.