NCC to announce lockdown strategy for fight against virus: Asad Umar

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar has announced that the sixth meeting of the National Coordination Committee (NCC) – scheduled to take place tomorrow (Wednesday) – will announce lockdown strategy to fight coronavirus.

Addressing a press conference today (Tuesday), Asad Umar has also announced that a strategy will be finalized in the upcoming session regarding lockdown and restrictions to contain COVID-19, adding that nationals will be apprised about the duration and other details of the lockdown.

The authorities will hold meetings on a daily basis at National Command Centre, adding that representatives of federal and provincial governments will participate in the meetings to review coronavirus situation.

Asad Umar further said that coronavirus was a global issue and Pakistan was also fighting a war against the pandemic.

Commenting on lockdown, Asad Umar said that if we avoid lockdowns and restrictions, then there are risks for further spread of the novel coronavirus.

He also assured that the federal government was mulling over solutions to end chances of hunger and poverty among nationals through a solid strategy.

Referring to funds, Asad Umar said that Utility Stores Corporation (USC) has been given Rs50 billion funds to ensure supplies of essential commodities, adding that the federal government was taking further measures to fulfill the needs of citizens living in far-flung areas of the country.

He further said that 12 million families will be given Rs12,000 under the relief mechanism devised by the federal government.

Commenting on flour shortage, Asad Umar said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed to give special attention over flour. He also assured that there is no shortage of flour in Pakistan and people must avoid hoarding essential goods.

The federal minister also announced that the number of laboratories for coronavirus screening will be increased to 32 across the country adding that Pakistan will take its COVID-19 testing capacity to 900,000 till April 15.