Imran: Spread of virus cases is inevitable, to peak in July
PM WARNS OF ‘A VERY DIFFICULT TIME’ AS DAILY DEATH TOLL CROSSES 100
Prime Minister Imran Khan has warned people of ‘a very difficult time’ ahead saying the spread of coronavirus pandemic in the country is inevitable.
He said the novel coronavirus infections would hit a peak by the end of July or the start of August as the country has seen sharp spike in Covid-19 cases during the last three weeks. The Pakistan government had earlier said they expected coronavirus peak by end of May or early June.
The virus has claimed 2,172 lives in Pakistan while an alarming number of 105 Covid-19 patients died during the last 24 hours. The nationwide tally of infections stands at 108,317 yesterday morning as Punjab province remains the worst hit with 40,819 cases followed by Sindh with 39,555 cases. Some 35,018 patients have recovered so far.
Prime Minister Imran appealed to the citizens to follow precautionary measures. “For the sake of elders in your home, and for those who are sick, please abide by the rules set by the government. These are the people whose lives are at stake,” Imran’s office tweeted.
Talking to media in Islamabad, Imran said the coronavirus would further spread in coming months to reach the peak and the curve would flatten.
Follow precautions
“We have observed #Covid19’s trend in the world, how it hits the peak, and then goes down. Our effort is to slow down the spread so that when we hit the peak, our hospitals are not overburdened and intensive care units are available during the peak. SOPs will help us achieve this. But, we can only manage the pandemic if we observe the SOPs in place and take precautions,” he urged the people.
He warned that Pakistan might also have to face the kind of Covid-19 conditions prevailing in the US, in Brazil and in Europe if citizens are not careful.
“Please wear masks, this is important. The world has realised that masks can prevent the spread of coronavirus by up to 50 per cent. Secondly, when you go to public spaces, follow the guidelines that have been issued by the government,” he added.
The prime minister also said that a lockdown is not the solution to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“A lockdown does not mean it will end coronavirus pandemic. It can only slow down the spread of the virus. Sadly, the lockdown also slowed down the economy, creating hard times for our poor people. We have reopened the economy with SOPs & precautions so our poor people can earn a livelihood
“During the lockdown, people — especially labourers and lower-income groups — went through a very difficult,” he observed.