‘If we are careless on Eidul Azha, Pakistan could see another spike in Covid-19 infections,’ warns PM

‘If we are careless on Eidul Azha, Pakistan could see another spike in Covid-19 infections,’ warns PM

Prime Minister Imran Khan appealed to the nation on Thursday to mark the forthcoming Eidul Azha with simplicity and take precautionary measures to prevent the number of Covid-19 cases in the country from increasing again.

After inaugurating Islamabad’s Isolation Hospital and Infectious Treatment Center (IHITC), he spoke to the media.

“The virus spreads rapidly when a large number of people gather,” said the premier, saying “carelessness” on Eidul Fitr in May led to a spike in cases in Pakistan. “This led to pressure on our hospitals, our frontline workers also faced immense pressure, we unfortunately lost lives and the virus peaked.

“After Eid, we took steps to contain the virus, including imposing smart lockdowns […] today, infections are decreasing. By the grace of the Almighty, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), the cooperation of the provinces in implementing instructions — due to the joint efforts of everyone, Pakistan is now among those countries where infections are declining.

“Today, I want to make a special appeal to you all: if we are careless on Eidul Azha, the virus could spread again and there could be a fresh spike in the number of infections. Hospitals will come under pressure again. So I’m appealing to you all to mark this Eid with simplicity.”

He said the government has come up with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Eidul Azha and how to carry out animal sacrifices. “I appeal to the entire nation to observe Eid with simplicity — for the sake of your country, its economy and especially the elderly and at-risk members of the society.

“If we take care now, then we can manage, God willing, to come out of this pandemic better than other countries.”

Earlier, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lt-Gen Mohammad Afzal briefed the prime minister on the isolation centre.

The post ‘If we are careless on Eidul Azha, Pakistan could see another spike in Covid-19 infections,’ warns PM appeared first on Rava.

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July 09, 2020 at 07:54PM

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