Govt. extends countrywide lockdown till May 9

The federal government on Friday has made a decision to extend the countrywide lockdown till May 9, Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar announced in a news conference.

According to the details, the minister said that the National Coordination Committee (NCC) meeting that was held at the National Command and Control Centre (NCOC) has decided to extend the lockdown.

Umar said that the NCC was about to start the implementation of the trace and track system from tomorrow.

“Consultations were held with chief secretaries and then health ministers at the NCOC. The prime minister has given approval for the system,” he said adding that “The apex body of the NCC will oversee the trace and track system” but the provincial governments, information technology institutions, civil and military organisations will be involved in the process as well.

“This is a complete national response formed by the government,” he said, though adding that the provincial governments will be responsible mainly for the implementation of the system.

Umar further said that throughout the month of Ramazan, loadshedding will not take place during Sehar and Iftar hours.

He stated that if people practiced the given safety precautions during the holy month, then it would allow business and other activities to inch towards normalcy.

“However, God forbid, if we demonstrate irresponsibility, then we may have to impose more restrictions after Eid,” he said.

Currently, the number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan have surpassed the 11,500 mark on Friday.