ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry has said the government is considering to announcing five days Eid Holidays this time.
While briefing media about decisions taken by the federal cabinet during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan, the information minister said the government is trying avoid complete lockdown and is considering to announcing five days Eid Holidays this time.
Regarding anti-COVID vaccination, the information minister informed that so far two million people have been vaccinated. He said the vaccine is fully safe for human health and urged the people to get themselves vaccinated against the virus. He said 3.7 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine are available in the country and now 40 and above people are eligible for vaccination.
About the latest coronavirus situation in the country, the minister said around 5,000 patients are in a critical condition, which is the highest number of COVID-19 victims as compared to the last two peaks of the contagion.
He said Pakistan is currently producing 792 metric tons of oxygen to meet the requirement of COVID-19 patients. He said Pakistan’s situation would have not been different if it had not increased 7,000 ventilator beds and doubled the production of oxygen in the country in last one year.
Fawad Chaudhry said government is also considering import of oxygen from China and Iran if need arises. He said it has been decided that the oxygen meant for industrial sector will be diverted to the health sector if situation worsens.
The federal minister appealed to the nation to take the ongoing COVID-19 wave seriously and to strictly adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) to tackle this deadly virus. He said the prime minister has directed to ensure supply of essential items during the pandemic.
