ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has reiterated that imposing lockdown wasn’t a solution to the coronavirus pandemic.
Addressing the nation today (Monday) on coronavirus outbreak, PM Imran said, “When a country imposes lockdown restrictions, the spread of the coronavirus is slowed down.”
However, he said, “We, as a people, must realise that Pakistan is a poor country and we have no other choice but to reopen the businesses,” adding, “The entire world has understood that lockdowns aren’t a solution.”
Quoting the example of the United States, PM Imran said that the country had the highest number of coronavirus cases and deaths but the US government still went ahead and reopened the country.
The premier has also warned that the government expects Pakistan’s coronavirus infections to peak by the end of July or August.
PM Imran said, “We already know that the virus will spread, the trend that our experts have observed is that it spreads, then peaks and then the curve flattens. And the purpose behind flattening the curve is to reduce pressure on hospitals.
PM Imran once again urged the people of Pakistan to follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and practicing social distancing in order to contain the outbreak of the coronavirus.
He further said, “Today I appeal to you, not for me, for you: Please take precautions for your loved ones, for the elderly and for those who have other ailments.”
The Prime Minister also said that most of the people are flouting SOPs, and claiming that the virus was a common flu. “Continuous violation of the SOPs can put lives of the vulnerable in danger,” he added.
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