NCOC head warns of Coronavirus increase by over 1 million by end of July

NCOC head warns of Coronavirus increase by over 1 million by end of July due to lack of implementation of SOPs.

Planning Minister Asad Umar said, while giving media briefing at National Command and Operation Centre in Islamabad today (Sunday).

NCOC head warns of Coronavirus increase

He said the pace of spread of COVID-19 could increase if precautionary measures not taken seriously.

Asad Umar said total cases in the country have reached closer to 150,000.

It likely to increase two fold by the end of this month.

He cautioned that by the end of next month, the same number could increase to reach at 1 to 1.2 million cases.

The minister underlined the need to take actions at societal as well as individual levels.

He said wearing masks is mandatory for slowing down the spread of disease.

He said some studies suggest that the pace of corona spread could decrease by fifty percent by covering the mouth alone.

The NCOC head seconded keeping social distancing is of equal importance.

He said administrative actions are being taken to protect the people from this disease.

He said shops, transport and individuals have been fined who were not following the SOPs.

Asad Umar  warned that such actions will increase now.

He said keeping lockdowns for long term is not feasible as the world has also realized it now.

He said Prime Minister is always of the view that COVID-19 could be controlled by precautionary measures.

NCOC head said Punjab government will announce today the strategy for actions in areas which are hotbeds of the disease.

Asad Umar said federal government will assist the Punjab government in smart lockdowns to curtail the spread of disease.

Over 2,000 people at oxygen beds

He said slightly more than 2,000 people across the country stay in oxygen beds at the moment.

The federal government will ensure enhancing delivery of these beds in all four provinces, as well as the federal capital.

He said 2,150 oxygen beds would be provided to the provinces by end of next month.

He said the testing capacities are also being enhanced.

The Minister said now 30,000 tests are being held on daily basis which were just around 500 when the first cases were reported.

He said in next four to six weeks, the testing capacity is expected to increase to 150,000.

GTV