The Prime Minister Imran Khan has regretted that people are currently not observing caution and appealed the masses to strictly follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to contain the curve of the novel coronavirus pandemic and avoid lockdowns in the cities.
In a televised address after a meeting of National Command and Operation Center in Islamabad on Friday, the Prime Minister warned if people did not comply with health guidelines and situation further deteriorates, we will have to impose lockdowns in the cities. However, he said at present we are not resorting to that option as it will affect the economy, the industries and especially the under privileged segments of the society including daily wagers and labourers.
Imran Khan further stated that the help of Pakistan Army has also been sought which will support the law enforcement agencies in ensuring compliance to the SOPs.
On the occasion, The Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar announced a series of measures and restrictions to avoid the spread of the virus. He said meeting has directed NCOC to prepare a plan in consultations with provinces in the next few days to deal with the situation if the option of locking down in cities is exercised.
“It has been decided that the schools will be closed in the districts including for grades nine to twelve where the positivity ratio is above five percent. Markets will remain open till six pm and only businesses of essential items will be allowed to remain open after this time,” he added.
Asad Umar also emphasized the need for implementing fifty percent work from home policy and said the office timing is also being limited to 2.00 pm. He said given the spread of different variants of the virus, a system will be put in place for the testing and quarantine of the people coming from abroad.
In his remarks, the Special Assistant to Prime Minister on National Health Services Dr. Faisal Sultan urged the general public to strictly follow SOPs to stay safe from the coronavirus. He said pressure on the health system is increasing as the third wave is spreading very fast than that of the previous waves.
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