Coronavirus 'spreading' again, PM told

Imran Khan urged to limit 'all unnecessary activities' to control second wave of Covid-19

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday was informed that the coronavirus was spreading again as per the data collected over the last six weeks from across the country.

During a meeting of National Coordination Committee on Covid-19, it was suggested that measures should be taken to limit all unnecessary activities, which were not related to certain basic requirements like economy and education in order to control the second wave of coronavirus.

The meeting was apprised of the coronavirus situation, testing, ratio of its spread in different parts of the country and increasing number of cases at the global level, according to a statement issued by the PM Office.

The meeting was informed that ‘smart lockdown’ was being enforced in different areas of Karachi, Islamabad, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir to stop the spread of Covid-19.

A suggestion regarding the restriction on public gatherings was also presented in the meeting.

During the meeting, PM Imran stressed that donning of masks and adherence to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) should be ensured at all costs to avoid further spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The prime minister said from the facts and figures ascertained from different countries, it was surfaced that during the winter season, coronavirus infection could spread and stressed on the provincial governments to take steps in this connection and devise a strategy.

About the purpose of the meeting, Imran Khan observed that they wanted to take timely decisions to control the second wave of coronavirus and save the nation from its further harms. The meeting was told that the number of coronavirus affected patients had also surged elsewhere in the world.

Compared with those numbers, the coronavirus spread and its damages remained distinctly low in Pakistan due to the blessings of Allah Almighty, and the government’s efforts and effective strategy, it was added.