Federal govt decides 15-day extension in coronavirus lockdown

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to extend coronavirus lockdown for 15 more days, ARY News reported on Friday.

The decision was taken in the session of National Coordination Committee (NCC) under the chair of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Sources said that the provinces have been given authority to make own decisions in accordance with the developments of coronavirus cases.

The session was also attended by chief ministers where the participants were briefed over the latest statistics of the National Command and Control Centre.

Federal Minister for Planning and Development, Asad Umar, addressed in a press conference to brief the decisions taken by the NCC.

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Asad Umar announced that the country-wide lockdown will continue till May 9 and armed forces will assist the government for enforcement of restrictions to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

“The federal government is increasing the capacity of coronavirus testing. The provinces have presented its recommendation in the NCC session today which was held under the chair of PM Imran Khan.”

“The [lockdown] situation will be continued until May 9. No load shedding will occur during Ramazan month on Sahr and Iftar timings.”

The planning minister elaborated the measures adopted by the federal government to provide relief among needy people across the country.

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“Cash disbursement worth 69 billion has been made to 57 lakh deserving families so far while Ehsaas emergency relief programme will continue in the month of Ramadan.”

“As a Muslim, it is our duty to avoid any kind of irresponsibility that would transfer the disease to another person. I am admitting here that lack of attention was increased regarding the coronavirus.”

“Pakistan armed forces are fully coordinating the civil administration as the month of Ramazan month is decisive [to contain the virus].”

“If we succeed to curb the spread of the virus, the situation will be improved after Eid. The government will be able to ease restrictions after Eid if the nationals followed precautionary measures.”

Read: Ramazan: Sindh govt finalises SOPs for businesses

It is pertinent to mention here that the latest statistics signalled a spike in coronavirus cases in Pakistan up to 11,155.

As per the breakup of the cases, 4767 infections have been reported in Punjab, Sindh, 3671, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 1541, Balochistan 607, Islamabad Capital Territory 214, Gilgit-Baltistan 300, and Azad Kashmir has reported 55 cases.

According to National Command and Operation Center, so far 2,527 patients of coronavirus have been recovered, while 237 died and 111 others are in a critical condition.

8390 patients are under treatment at the various hospitals, quarantine facilities in the country.

131,365 tests have been conducted since outbreak of the pandemic with 6839 tests during last 24 hours. Local transmission is 79 percent and foreign travel 21 percent.