Pakistan’s virus cases to be near 225,000 by month-end: Asad Umar

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning and Development, Asad Umar has said that the number of coronavirus cases by the end of June will be 225,000 or less.

Earlier, the federal government had predicted that there would be around 300,000 cases by the end of this month across the country.

Addressing a press conference today (Friday) alongside Information Minister Shibli Faraz, the Planning Minister said that the reduction in the predicted figures prove that if everyone performs their duty on an individual level while the government does its job on a communal level, a significant success can be seen.

“Most people have realised their responsibility. As a result, we are now looking at 225,000 cases instead of 300,000,” Asad Umar added.

Commenting on the measures taken by the NCOC to contain the coronavirus outbreak, Asad Umar said that on May 30, the NCOC made it compulsory to wear a mask at crowded places.

He further said, “On June 4, the NCOC issued directives to the provinces to implement the standard operating procedures (SOPs). On June 14, the NCOC told provinces to expand ‘smart lockdown’. The NCOC also pointed out hotspots in 20 major cities which needed to be sealed.

However, the Planning Minister also warned that the reduction in predicted figures does not mean the danger had passed. “It shows that by taking right measures God will protect us,” he added.

He said that the number of beds and ventilators were being constantly increased at hospitals to provide the best medical facilities to patients.

Asad Umar has also acknowledged the pressure on big hospitals in major cities was high for two weeks earlier. He urged the people of Pakistan to realise their responsibility towards the doctors and healthcare workers by following the precautionary measures.