Coronavirus cases can spike if SOPs ignored: Faisal Sultan

ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant on Health Dr Faisal Sultan has said that the COVID-19 cases may increase in Pakistan if preventive measures were neglected.

Addressing a press conference today, he said “We should not undermine the use of masks and implementation of safety measures to avoid the spread of COVID-19.”

Noting that Pakistan is reporting a steady decline in the virus cases for the past three weeks, Faisal Sultan said that the slightest carelessness from people can lead to the re-emergence of the COVID-19 epidemic.

He further said, “It is up to us to increase or decrease the number of COVID-19 cases across the country.” In light of a decreasing number of coronavirus infections across the country, he said the government decided to lift restrictions, which were imposed to curb the spread of the virus.

The premier’s aide said different restrictions imposed in March, including the closure of schools, marriage halls, cinemas, international and domestic flights helped the country bring down the death toll and the recovery rate to over 85 percent.

Faisal Sultan said Pakistan has opened all sectors of the economy in a bid to revive its hard-hit economy. The country has reported 289,215 positive COVID-19 cases of which 269,087 have recovered, with 6,175 deaths, he added.

He cautioned that a sharp fall in the number of COVID-19 cases could be the result of fewer tests if negligence is shown towards virus curbs and preventive measures.