PM says coronavirus situation under control as case count nears 30,000

Prime Minister Imran Khan said that coronavirus situation in Pakistan was under control which could improve further by taking precautionary measures and inspiring confidence in public.

His remarks came as Pakistan recorded another 1991 cases, including 24 deaths, over the past 24 hours, taking the tally to 29, 465.

The prime minister was chairing a meeting of National Health Task Force on Friday, according to the state-run APP.

The meeting was attended by chairman task force Nausherwan Burki, PM’s Special Assistant on Health Dr Zafar Mirza, Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmeen Rashid, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Minister Taimoor Saleem Jhagra and PM’s Focal Person on Covid 19 Dr Faisal. Other senior officials attended the meeting through video link, PM office media wing in a press release said.

Khan, while emphasizing the importance of a robust public awareness campaign over the recent coronavirus situation, observed that being responsible citizens, they must take care of patients with greater responsibility.

The prime minister expressed his regret over reports regarding maltreatment of coronavirus patients, and said such attitude was unbearable and led to creation of fear.

He further observed that if anyone had symptoms of coronavirus, he or she should immediately get himself tested without any hesitation.

The prime minister underlined the need for taking steps for the launch of a comprehensive public awareness campaign in this regard and directed for formulation of a coordinated strategy in this regard.

He said compared with the rest of the world, the situation in Pakistan was under control which could be further improved with adherence to precautionary measures and through inspiring of confidence in public.

The provincial ministers apprised the meeting about the latest situation, treatment of patients in the hospitals, steps for the protection and facilitation of doctors and paramedical staff and enhancement of corona testing capacity in their respective provinces.

PM’s focal person Dr Faisal in his briefing presented details about the number of patients in different provinces, deaths and the ratio of the cases. He said Pakistan had been less affected with the pandemic when compared with other countries of the world.

It was also informed that number of coronavirus testing labs had been increased from 4 to 63 as compared to the month of March.

Punjab health minister Dr Yasmeen Rashid said that soon a standard operating procedure over home quarantine would be announced.