Govt warns of spiralling virus cases

CM Mahmood urges public to avoid crowded places

PESHAWAR: As the number of novel coronavirus (Covid-19) cases in the province soared past the 9,000 mark, the provincial government on Friday warned that a rapid increase in the number of cases is being witnessed in the country and urged the public to avoid crowded places, stay home, and adopt preventive measures.

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Health Department in its daily communique on Friday noted that 225 new cases were reported in the province, taking its tally to 9,067. There were 13 associated deaths as well, including five in Peshawar, three in Bajaur two in Swat, and one each in Mardan, Malakand and Battagram. So far 445 people have succumbed to the virus in the province.

In a separate statement issued on Friday, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Mahmood Khan said that fresh Covid-19 cases are increasing day-by-day in K-P.

He appealed to the public to realize the sensitivity of the issue and to be careful in their day-to-day matters and social behaviour.

Mahmood further advised citizens to restrict themselves to their houses, avoid crowding in markets and other public places and to strictly follow the social distancing principles and other precautionary measures instructed by the government.

He added that precautionary measures were the most effective way to stay safe from Covid-19, the citizens can protect themselves and others from the disease. He warned that even the slightest negligence could lead to a great and irreparable loss

Foreign arrivals

Echoing the chief minister’s instructions on preventive measures, Adviser to K-P Chief Minister on Information Ajmal Khan Wazir on Friday said that some 4,675 passengers have arrived in the province aboard some 23 special flights from different parts of the world between April 15 and May 28.

Of these, Wazir said that 727 people had tested positive for Covid-19, including 481 residents of K-P and 246 people from other provinces.

Briefing the media at the Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar on Friday, the adviser said that he had reviewed the arrangements at the facility regarding Covid-19. He added that 15 doctors, eight nurses and 24 paramedical staff of the health department work around the clock at the airport in shifts.

Talking about the lockdown, Wazir said that not only people have to be protected from the virus but a balance has to be maintained where economic activities continue.

He added that the government had relaxed the lockdown because of the problems being faced by the working class.

Wazir also appealed to the public to implement the regulations laid down by the government.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 30^th, 2020.