No lockdown to be imposed despite increasing COVID-19 in country

Islamabad: Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry said that no lockdown will be imposed despite increasing the cases of coronavirus in the country. 

The information minister said while briefing the journalists about the decisions of the federal cabinet on Tuesday. 

The minister said that the cabinet was also briefed about COVID situation in the country. He said it has been decided that no lockdown will be imposed in the country as Pakistan's economy cannot afford this. He appealed the people to observe precautionary measures, especially wearing of face masks at public places, to prevent spread of the virus. He said the government will keep monitoring the situation.

Fawad Chaudhry further said that schools will not be closed due to the coronavirus, the vaccination campaign is going well in the country while people should use masks.

Murree Tragedy

Fawad Chaudhry said that 22 people were killed in the Murree tragedy. “Many trees fell on the road and blocked the roads due to severe snow falling. Most of the people left their vehicles and went on foot.”

He said that due to road blockade, it was difficult for the machinery to reach the area. “Due to heavy snowfall, helicopters could not reach the spot. Many people fell asleep after running heaters in their vehicles. The people were dead cause of Carbon Monoxide generated due to heaters. The premier expressed his sorrow over the tragedy,” he added. 

Fawad Chaudhry said that the provincial government and local administration need to be prepared for domestic tourism in Pakistan, the system of managing tourism is getting old. “PTI introduced tourism as a sector, 13 new tourists Places are being built, not a single new tourist destination has been built in 70 years, there is a lot of potential in the tourism industry, or tourism can become strong base of economics.”

The minister further said that the Punjab government has formed an inquiry committee which will give report within seven days. All the institutions have played an excellent role in the rescue and relief operation.