PESHAWAR: The provincial government has decided about the random coronavirus testing of industrial workers for coronavirus (Covid-19) and phase-wise relaxation of the lockdown for more industries.

This was disclosed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Economic Zones Development and Management Company (EZDMC) chief executive officer and Industries Task Force chairman Javed Iqbal Khattak during a meeting here on Friday, said a statement.

Mr Khattak said focal persons had been appointed for keeping cooperation and close liaison with the health department.

He said the task force had allowed the opening of 563 industrial units as precautionary measures and standing operating procedures had been framed to prevent the spread of the virus.

The EZDMC chief said following the instructions of Chief Minister Mahmood Khan, the company was in close contact with the industries and it was taking practical steps to mitigate the impact of coronavirus outbreak on the people and economy of the province.

He said a strategy was being prepared for the phase-wise relaxing of lockdown for more industrial units.

Mr Khattak said the company had carried out coronavirus awareness campaign and was carrying out the disinfectant spraying and sanitisation on a daily basis.

He asked both industrialists and labourers to take precautionary steps against coronavirus.

The EZDMC chief said the company was making all-out efforts for the facilitation of the industries.

He said the company was going to start work on industrial estates in Jalozai, Chitral and Nowshera areas, while efforts were in full swing for the provision of facilities to Rashakai and Hattar special economic zones.

Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2020