Virus spread should be curbed by imposing micro-smart lockdown, NCOC told

ISLAMABAD: The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has been recommended to curb the spread of novel coronavirus through the imposition of micro-smart lockdown due to a consistent hike in the cases in fourth consecutive week, ARY News reported on Wednesday.

A session of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has held under the chair of Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar. The session is being attended by Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan and other concerned officials.

During the session, the participants reviewed the government’s steps and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) devised for curbing coronavirus spread.

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During a briefing, it was told that the virus is spreading due to unnecessary gatherings, crowded markets and organisation of events at wedding halls. It was also highlighted that the lack of implementation on SOPs and other precautionary measures were also among the prime cause of another spike in cases.

It has been recommended to curb the spread of COVID-19 through the imposition of micro and smart lockdown in COVID-19 hotspots.

Chief secretaries also apprised the strategy and measures adopted to stop the virus spread in the provinces during the session.

Read: Not considering closure of educational institutions, says Shafqat Mahmood

Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Imran Khan had rejected the closure of businesses, schools and industries again in view of rising novel coronavirus cases during its second wave in Pakistan.

PM Imran Khan had given the statement while chairing the federal cabinet meeting today. A briefing was given to the cabinet members regarding an increase being witnessed in COVID-19 cases.

The federal cabinet was told that coronavirus cases are consistently increasing besides a hike in the number of critical patients put on ventilators and mortality rate.

Read: NCOC makes mandatory to wear face masks in crowded places

PM Imran Khan had said that there is a need to strictly implement standard operating procedures (SOPs), however, the federal government will shut businesses, schools and industries again. He had ruled out possibilities to impose lockdown in the country.

He added that the government managed to stabilise the national economy after making efforts. The premier directed making nationals aware of the precautionary measures.