Actual number of coronavirus cases less than projections, observes NCOC

PM Imran Khan to be presented with future plan of action on April 12

ISLAMABAD: The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Friday noted that the actual number of positive coronavirus cases is less than the projections.

The forum met for the daily briefing on the coronavirus situation, under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Planning, Reforms and Special Initiatives Asad Umer.

State Minister for Health Dr Zafar Mirza informed the forum about the latest projections of possible COVID-19 infections and measures to enhance present testing capacity.

The officials expressed satisfaction in improvement in recovery ratio of COVID-19 patients which are more than 700 in the country. They were further told that 26 labs were currently functional, whereas critical care for patients on ventilators was required.



Moreover, the NCOC discussed whether the repatriation process of stranded Pakistani nationals in Afghanistan and the supply of essential food items from Iran to four border districts of Balochistan was being done in accordance with the health ministry's instructions and SOPs issued on the subject.

The forum observed that those Pakistani citizens in Afghanistan who want to come back to Pakistan must undergo testing/ tracking procedure & necessary quarantine.

The officials were further informed that movement of cargo to Afghanistan was being done thrice a week and only pertained to food and medical items.



Furthermore, the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) in coordination with a clinical study committee for indigenous and fast production of ventilators presented a plan of action. Diplomatic channels were also used for provision of ventilators and critical spare equipment, the forum was told.

While addressing the meeting Asad Umer said that, “the future course of action will be presented to PM [Prime Minster Imran Khan] on April 12 for approval on Monday, April 13 by the NCC.”

Umer emphasised the need to synergise all efforts through a one-window operation. He reiterated that while we endeavour for indigenous production our focus should concurrently be on procurement through commercial channels from abroad.

Minister for Interior Brig Ijaz Ahmed Shah (Retired), Minister for Industries and Production Muhammad Hammad Azhar, Minister for Energy Mr Omar Ayub Khan, Minister for Economic Affairs Khusro Bakhtiar also attended the meeting among others.