Punjab cuts work hours of doctors, nurses tending coronavirus patients

LAHORE: The Punjab government on Saturday reduced the working hours of doctors and nurses engaged in the treatment of coronavirus patients across the province to six hours, reported ARY News.

“Pursuant to the recommendation of Corona Experts Advisory Group (CEAG), in its meeting held on 25/03/2020, the Competent Authority has been pleased to direct that all the doctors and nurses working in dedicated Corona Hospital/Isolation Wards/HDUs/ICUs for management of Covid-19 patients shall perform duty in 6 hourly shifts,” read a notification issued by the Punjab healthcare department.

“These doctors and nurses will perform duty continuously for one week. After one week of duty, they shall be granted two weeks off from duty, either at home or in the hospital facility. This shall be implemented with immediate effect.”

Salute to healthcare workers serving humanity in these times of trial.
On recommendations of the CEAG, all doctors and nurses working in dedicated Corona Hospitals/HDU/IDU shall perform duty in 6 hourly shifts and get 2 weeks off after one week of duty.#PunjabFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/H3z6xhinzb

— Health Department Punjab (@HealthPunjabGov) March 28, 2020

The number of deaths from the novel coronavirus has risen to eleven, around 1,500 people have been affected countrywide.

During the last 24 hours, another death was reported due to the virus, taking the tally to 11 countrywide.

Meanwhile, 25 patients have recovered their health, whereas, seven patients are in critical condition.