Must ensure SOPs amid rising Covid cases: health ministry

The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination on Sunday asked the citizens to strictly follow anti-Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) in offices and markets to prevent the spread of the disease in the wake of an increase in the number of Delta variant cases in the country.

According to an official of the ministry, people were seen flouting SOPs that are in place to control the spread of the deadly virus. "Covid-19 is a deadly virus but we can control it just as we controlled it by following the SOPs during the initial waves. The government is seeking your full cooperation in adhering to the SOPs," the official appealed.

He added that we can save precious lives, including those of our near and dear ones, by adopting preventive measures such as wearing a mask, maintaining social distance, washing hands with soap frequently and avoiding crowded places.

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"Do celebrate wedding events but please keep the gatherings limited and take all precautions by following the SOPs. We are a strong nation and can defeat COVID-19 but for that, cooperation from every citizen is imperative," he stressed.

With over 989,275 confirmed cases in the country to date, the government was once again taking strict measures to mitigate the spread of coronavirus infection in the country.

He said that the number of patients in the hospitals has also increased as 47,331 active cases were reported on Sunday besides a total of 22,781 deaths and 919,163 recoveries.

"This has happened because we did not continue to practice SOPs. We must wear a mask when going out as it reduces transmission of infection by 70 per cent," PIMS Joint Executive Director Dr Minhaj Us Siraj said.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 19^th, 2021.