Coronavirus: Federal govt extends nationwide lockdown till May 9

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar has announced that the federal government has decided to extend the nationwide lockdown till May 9.

Addressing a press conference at the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) today (Friday), Asad Umar has informed that the decision was taken after consultation with all the provincial governments.

The federal minister also announced that the NCOC was about to start the implementation of the tracking system from tomorrow.

He further said that consultations were held with chief secretaries and then health ministers at the NCOC in this regard, adding that Prime Minister Imran Khan has given the approval for the system.  

The federal minister also said, “The apex body of the NCOC will oversee the trace and track system. However, the provincial governments, information technology institutions, civil and military organisations will also be involved in the process.” 

Commenting on the load shedding, Asad Umar announced that load-shedding will not take place during Sehar and Iftar hours,

‘Ramazan will be decisive’

Planning Minister Asad Umar also said that the month of Ramazan will be “decisive” in determining the trajectory of cases detected in the country.

Asad Umar urged the people of Pakistan to take precautions measures and practice social distancing in order to contain the outbreak of the coronavirus.

He also announced that if the public practiced the prescribed safety precautions during the holy month, the government would most likely be able to lift some restrictions by Eidul Fitr. He warned, “However, God forbid, if we demonstrate irresponsibility, then we may have to impose more restrictions after Eid.”

Referring to cash distribution, he asserted that the cash disbursement worth 69 billion has been made to 57 lakh deserving families so far while the Ehsaas emergency relief programme will continue in the month of Ramadan.

So far, coronavirus has claimed lives of more than 240 people across Pakistan and has affected more than 11,500 people. Punjab remains the worst affected province from the coronavirus pandemic.