Pakistan resumes international flight operations

ISLAMABAD / KARACHI: All the national and foreign airlines have been allowed to resume their flight operations between Pakistan and the rest of the world as the country’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Friday announced to lift curbs imposed on March 21 in order to stop the spread of coronavirus disease.

“As per decision of the federal government, the outbound international flights (scheduled, non-scheduled and charter flights) operation has been allowed with effect from 2359 hours tonight [Friday night],” said Aviation Division spokesperson Abdul Sattar Khokhar in a statement.

Both national and foreign airlines, he said, will be allowed to operate from all international airports of Pakistan except Gwadar and Turbat.

“SOPs [standard operating procedures] for outbound international flights have already been issued according to which airlines will be required to follow the SOPs of the destination country. Additionally, disinfection of aircraft will be ensured and no congestion at airports shall be allowed,” he added.

Pakistan on March 21 suspended all international flights for 2 weeks to limit the spread of coronavirus. Later, the government extended the suspension of international and domestic flight operations till April 30 in line with the national strategy to stem the spread of novel coronavirus.

However, during that period, the Pakistan International Airline (PIA), the national flag carrier, operated relief flights to repatriate stranded Pakistanis. The country resumed partial domestic flight operations on May 16. Due to this restriction, both the CAA and the PIA suffered a loss to the tune of billions of rupees.

According to PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan, the airline may operate flights but resumption of international flights also depended on other countries and their policy with regard to the pandemic.

“UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Qatar are closed due to the lockdown. China is also closed while Malaysia only allows permanent residents to fly there. “Rest of the operation will depend on travel restriction by the relevant countries,” he said.

Khan said the PIA is running its flights to Europe and Canada and will keep operating those flights, although those flights are actually rescue operations.

NCC on coronavirus to be held on May 31

Meanwhile, Minister for Planning Asad Umar on Friday said a special meeting of National Coordination Committee (NCC) on coronavirus will be held on May 31 (Monday) in order to finalize the strategy for tackling the coronavirus pandemic and the lockdown restrictions.The NCC in its last meeting on May 7 decided to extend the lockdown till May 31 while announcing to lift certain curbs. Later, the Supreme Court also allowed markets and shopping malls to reopen.

Chairing a meeting at National Command and Control Centre (NCOC), the federal minister stressed the need for devising a mechanism for providing the latest information about the availability of beds and ventilators in the hospitals to facilitate the COVID-19 patients.

He directed the provinces to share their latest Covid-19 combating efforts and latest information about the pandemic in their respective areas in the Resource Management (RMS) to facilitate people.

The RMS provides latest information about the availability of beds, ventilators and other facilities available in hospitals. The representatives of provinces, AJK, GB and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) expressed satisfaction over the workings of RMS. The RMS would be launched today.

New SOPs for burial

Addressing a press conference later, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza said the government has made some amendments in guidelines for safe burial of the people who die of coronavirus in order to ensure safety of all those who attend the funeral or handle the dead bodies.

He said there is no scientific evidence of transmission of virus through the dead body, yet it is vital to ensure precautionary measures while handling the bodies of suspected or confirmed cases.

Dr Mirza said adopting guidelines would help prevent any possible transmission, adding that there was no restriction on immediate family members to attend the funeral rituals.

“Anyone attending the body must use appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) including gown, gloves, and mask. Use face shield and goggles, if there is a potential risk of body fluid splashes.”

He said the body should be cleaned and dried, and it could also be covered with a white cloth, as per the religious practice, for the burial. The health care workers, family members or mortuary staff, preparing the body for burial, should follow the standard precautions of wearing appropriate PPE.

He said the family and friends might view the body but should not be allowed to touch or kiss it. They should wash hands thoroughly with soap and water frequently.

“The burial rituals, including burial gathering and prayers should have minimal possible numbers like only immediate family and relatives. All in attendance should observe standard precautions like social distancing, face masks and frequent hand washes.

The SAPM said although the number of patients on ventilators is increasing, the ratio of ventilator usage is 20 per cent which means still enough quantity of ventilators and beds are available in hospitals for the Covid-19 patients.

Dr Mirza said during the last 24 hours, 57 patients lost their lives, which was ever the highest figure of deaths in the country due to Covid-19. Some 157 patients are on ventilators.

He said so far 64,000 confirmed cases are reported throughout the country while during the last 24 hours 2,636 new cases are reported. He said 35% patients recovered completely while over 520,000 corona tests had been conducted so far.

“New positive cases are increasing, posing the threat of further spread of the disease.”