PM’s aide fears increase in Covid-19 cases, deaths in coming days

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Health Services Dr Zafar Mirza has urged people not to let their guard down against the novel coronavirus as number of positive cases and deaths could increase in the country in coming days, Radio Pakistan reported.

During a media briefing in Islamabad on Friday, he said that the situation regarding availability of ventilators and beds across the country is under control. “Only 18 to 20 per cent out of total number of ventilators are in use at the moment.”

The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) is closely watching the situation and will adopt strategy accordingly in consultation with various stakeholders, the de facto health minister said.

He said that the people could not grasp the situation regarding lockdown. “A new instruction guide has been issued for the people who die of coronavirus.”

The PM’s aide went on to say that there has been no evidence so far of transmission of coronavirus from a dead body. However, he added, that the handlers of the body should adopt all precautionary measures, including use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

He said that testing during Eid holidays was slow but “is again gaining momentum”.

According to Dr Mirza, 35 per cent people in Pakistan have completely recovered from the respiratory disease caused by Covid-19.

Earlier during an interview with Pakistan Television (PTV), the special assistant on health said that the coronavirus situation in Pakistan is “not disastrous” due to the effective measures taken by the government.

He said that the increasing number of patients being reported was because of the increased testing capacity. He added that the federal and provincial governments are working in tandem regarding all the decisions to contain Covid-19.

Dr Mirza further said that the opposition parties, instead of doing politics on the deadly virus, should suggest measures to prevent its spread.