Khaleej Times

We will have to learn to live with the virus: PM

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islamabad —Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday said the people should learn to live with coronaviru­s for about a year as its cure is not forthcomin­g soon.

“We have to put it in our minds that we have to live with coronaviru­s at least by the end of this year. And it is our responsibi­lity to take precaution­ary measures and protect ourselves [from this disease],” he said in a televised media briefing about the latest situation of Covid-19 in the country.

He said that scientists and researcher­s worldwide were of the view that vaccine for coronaviru­s may take more time to develop.

The prime minister said coronaviru­s cases were far lower than projected in the country at present. “Coronaviru­s cases and deaths were projected to reach 52,695 and 1,324 by May 14,” he added.

Khan reiterated that the government is taking steps to strengthen the health system to cope with increasing cases of the deadly virus.

The premier said he would like to especially address the medical community, because he knew how alarmed they were at the announceme­nt of an ease in lockdown curbs, given the pressure it would create on medical facilities.

“I assure you my government has full realisatio­n of what sort of pressures you must face, [given your profession and especially] with regard to your families and children.”

Policemen affected

The number of policemen affected with coronaviru­s increased to 173 after 22 more police officials tested positive, said a spokesman for the Sindh Police. He said these 22 cases were reported in the last four days. Currently, 135 police personnel, including senior officers, were under treatment, while five have lost their battle against the virus.

Meanwhile, the countrywid­e tally of Covid-19 cases stood at 38,290 with 13,914 cases in Punjab, 14,916 in Sindh, 5,678 in Khyber Pakhtunkhw­a, 2,310 in Balochista­n, 501 in Gilgit-Baltistan, 866 in Islamabad and 105 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.—

 ?? — AFP, Reuters, AP ?? CLoCkWISE FRoM ToP: Faithful maintain social distancing as they offer Friday prayers at a mosque in karachi; a man reads the Holy Quran in a mosque during ‘Itikaf’ in Peshawar, and a police officer urges worshipper­s to wear face masks at an entrance to a mosque in Rawalpindi.
— AFP, Reuters, AP CLoCkWISE FRoM ToP: Faithful maintain social distancing as they offer Friday prayers at a mosque in karachi; a man reads the Holy Quran in a mosque during ‘Itikaf’ in Peshawar, and a police officer urges worshipper­s to wear face masks at an entrance to a mosque in Rawalpindi.
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