Health SOPs for Eid ready: Umar

islamabad — The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) was informed on Friday that guidelines have been prepared regarding the upcoming Eid Al Adha festival which were also being shared with provinces.

The NCOC suggested setting up of cattle markets for sacrificial animals outside the cities’ limits, compulsory testing of animal handlers restricting markets functioning during a time limits. It also called for engaging clerics for implementation of heath protocols ahead of Eid.

Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiative Asad Umar chaired the NCOC meeting and reviewed arrangements for cattle markets, availability of Covid-19 and Non Covid-19 medicines and the latest projections about infections.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister called for evolving an effective monitoring mechanism to ensure social distancing and adherence to standard operating procedures.

The NCOC meeting was told if the people follow all SOPs on Eid Al Adha further spread in Covid-19 cases could be contained.

The meeting was further told that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has also acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts to contain Covid-19 and termed Pakistani data more accurate as compared to other countries.

A representative of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) apprised the NCOC that there was no shortage of Covid-19 medicines and a sufficient stock was available in the country. The meeting was also attended by focal person for Covid-19 Dr Faisal Sultan and other senior officials.

Meanwhile, the countrywide tally of Covid-19 cases stood at 245,067 with 85,261 cases reported by Punjab, 102,368 by Sindh, 29,406 reported by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 11,099 reported by Balochistan, 1619 reported by Gilgit Baltistan, 13,829 by Islamabad and 1485 by Azad Jammu and Kashmir. —