Health
‘Lockdown not a solution to tackle pandemic’: Asad Umar
Islamabad: In view of the worsening situation of the global epidemic, Federal Minister of Planning, Development, Reforms and Special Initiatives Asad Umar said that complete closure of cities is not a solution for the epidemic.
While talking to media along with Dr Faisal Sultan, the minister stressed that many people are still not taking COVID-19 seriously.
“As soon as the outbreak subsides, people think that coronavirus is gone, as after the lockdown, businesses reopen and the number of cases surge,” he stressed.
He further added, “The only solution to avoid virus is precaution”.
The federal minister has set a deadline of August 1, stating that only those who would have received at least one dose of vaccine, will be able to travel by air.
“Teachers who are not vaccinated will not be able to teach in schools and colleges from August 1,” he further added.
Moreover, after August 31, transport will not be possible without vaccinated staff as vaccination was made compulsory for transport personnel.
In addition, Special Assistant for Health Dr. Faisal Sultan said that the rate of coronary positive cases in the country is 7.5% while corona cases have risen in the last 24 hours.
Earlier, Special Assistant Dr. Faisal Sultan said that the rate of corona has increased in the last 24 hours, following which the pressure on hospitals has also increased.
He said that the implementation rate of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in Islamabad is 56%, in Gilgit it is 37% while in Sindh and Balochistan SOPs are being implemented less than usual.
“If SOPs are implemented, success will be achieved,” the minister added.