Asad Umar raises concern over coronavirus situation in Karachi

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar said that the country witnessed a reduction in the number of coronavirus cases and related deaths.

Speaking at a media briefing at the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), the federal minister said smart lockdown imposed in the worst-affected areas are effective as fewer COVID-19 patients visited hospitals.

He hoped that the cases tally can remain under 400,000 if health guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are followed.  He said the death rate is also declining in the country and since the past few days, only 5 percent of those tested were declared positive for the virus.

He lamented that there was no improvement in the number of infections reported in Sindh, particularly Karachi. He said they are engaged with the provincial authorities to improve the situation. He lauded the efforts of the administration and provincial governments to ensure compliance of the smart lockdown.

 “In Islamabad, the administration, police and staff did a marvelous job,” he said, adding that measures will also be undertaken in Karachi to improve the situation. “More work can be done in Sindh and a consultation will be held over this in the evening,” he said.

Expressing satisfaction over the situation, the minister mentioned that Islamabad reported only 113 positive cases in the last day but had been reported around 700 cases daily in mid-June.

He pointed out that the number of Corona patients in hospitals are less than those seen in mid-June. He stressed that the situation could further improve if the people continue to follow the precautionary measures.