–Minister urges people to ‘get serious’ and adopt preventive measures to curb virus spread
–Says Pakistan would be able to conduct 150,000 tests daily within four to six weeks
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar on Sunday warned that given how coronavirus cases are increasing in the country, there is a possibility that they can double by the end of June and reach 1 million to 1.2 million by the end of July.
Addressing a press conference, the minister said that while experts have projected these figures, they are neither predictions nor a certainty and can be avoided if the government and the people work together to stop the virus from spreading.
Umar urged the people to “get serious” and highlighted that preventive measures, including wearing face masks and practicing social distancing, can be effective in curbing the spread of the virus.
“Research [around the world] has indicated that wearing masks is a verified way of curbing the spread of Covid-19 — by up to 50 per cent,” he said, adding that the National Command and Operation Centre [NCOC] had recommended that face masks be worn by everyone in public places.
“We are seeing many people wearing masks but sadly we have seen many more not wearing one. If you want to defend yourself and your loved ones, please wear masks. It is as simple as that,” he added.
The minister said that the government had issued guidelines regarding social distancing requirements that people should follow. “This [practising social distancing] is the simplest way to ensure that businesses remain open and the wheel of the economy keeps turning,” he said, adding that the failure to follow preventive guidelines would result in “people losing their livelihoods”.
He further said that that the government would start taking administrative action against those who do not follow the prescribed measures. He added that shops, transport and individuals have been fined for following the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Umar said that a long-term lockdown is not feasible for any country and the world has also realised it now. He endorsed Prime Minister Imran Khan’s decision to impose “smart lockdowns” in virus hotspots around the country as opposed to a complete lockdown. “We have to enforce smart lockdowns in hotspots because this way we can stop the spread in areas that are witnessing outbreaks and at the same time protect jobs and livelihoods by not imposing complete lockdowns,” he said.
He also said that Punjab government would announce its strategy for actions in “hotbeds” of Covid-19. He added that the federal government would also assist the provincial government in curtailing the spread of the virus.
Talking about the healthcare system, the minister said that over 2,000 people are on oxygen support across the country and the federal government would enhance the delivery of oxygen beds in all provinces, as well as the federal capital. He added that 2,150 oxygen beds would also be provided to the provinces by the end of July.
Umar said that Pakistan was increasing its testing capacity to deal with growing Covid-19 cases. He said that currently 30,000 tests are held daily, in contrast with the 500 tests being conducted on a daily basis when the virus first emerged in the country. He added that in the next four to six weeks, Pakistan’s testing capacity is expected to increase to 150,000.
After initially lagging infection rates in Western nations, Pakistan and other South Asian countries are experiencing a surge in cases.
Pakistan’s increase in cases comes after people violated government restrictions and thronged public places — mostly without masks and gloves — during Ramzan and ahead of the Eidul Fitr last month.
Since the start of Pakistan’s outbreak in March, PM Imran opposed a nationwide lockdown of the sort seen elsewhere, arguing the impoverished country could not afford it.
Instead, Pakistan’s four provinces ordered a patchwork of closures, but even those restrictions have now been lifted.
