ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has once again urged the people of Pakistan to fully follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) amid an increasingly worrying COVID-19 situation in Pakistan.
The Prime Minister made the remarks following chairing a meeting of the National Coordination Committee on COVID-19 in Islamabad today (Thursday).
“An average of 40% of the country’s hospital beds are occupied with coronavirus patients,” he said, appealing to the nation to strictly abide by wearing a mask, as it is the easiest precaution.
He warned if the current trend of the virus persisted, it would put our paramedical staff under tremendous pressure. “Right now, following the rally in Multan, 64% beds reserved for coronavirus patients lie occupied,” he added.
Commenting on large gatherings, PM Imran explained that when a large gathering takes place, the fallout is seen about 10 days later. He said similarly, 40% beds in Peshawar are occupied and about 50% of Islamabad’s hospital beds reserved for such patients are occupied.
“Coronavirus spreads when people get together. In the open air, there is a reduced chance of its spread but when people get together in a room around a heater, the numbers will increase,” he remarked.
He further said, “This is the time. We all need to exercise caution. Covering your face is the biggest SOP you can follow. When you wear a mask around people, the chances of contracting the virus will be greatly diminished.”
Referring to the opposition, PM Imran reiterated that by holding the gatherings, the opposition cannot put him or the government under pressure but they are putting the lives of people at risk.
He appealed to the opposition to postpone their gatherings for the protection of lives of people. “When you know that there is so much pressure on medical workers, why don’t you put off your rallies for two to three months so we can save people’s lives?” he asked.
The premier pointed out that the wedding halls, restaurants and schools have been shut down to control the pandemic. “We have also taken the religious scholars on board to ensure compliance of SOPs at the mosques,” he added.
PM Imran recalled that the nation fully observed the SOPs and demonstrated great discipline during the first wave of the virus which saved the country. “We need to observe the same precaution again to protect the lives,” he concluded.
