ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar has warned of stricter restrictions if the coronavirus pandemic situation worsens in Pakistan.
Talking to media persons after a meeting of National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), the federal minister said they have taken necessary decisions and reviewed them after predicting the spike in the spread of coronavirus pandemic.
Asad Umar reiterated that hospitals are reaching their maximum capacity. “The number of critical patients has rapidly increased in the last 12 days. If the trend continues, the situation may slip out of hand,” the minister added.
“The decisions taken by NCOC were not being implemented. The people have no idea about the dangerous situation of the pandemic,” he added. Umar also warned that the UK variant was much more dangerous than the original COVID-19 virus.
“UK variant is spreading fast in Punjab, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). This is the time to lead the nation and curb the spread of coronavirus,” he added.
He asked the concerned authorities to strengthen local administrations in order to contain the coronavirus spread. “The federal government will have to take tough decisions if the situation further worsens in the country,” he concluded.
According to a press statement, Punjab and KP chief ministers and Islamabad commissioner were invited to attend the session via video link.
The agenda included a discussion on the rising trend of COVID-19, implementation status of high impact interventions and state of critical medical facilities, including oxygenated beds, vents and other facilities.
The press release stated that major violations are being reported from the transport sector, weddings, restaurants, commercial activities and public gatherings.
