Coronavirus cases may be limited to 225,000 by June end: Umar.

ISLAMABAD -- Federal Minister Asad Umar has said that Pakistan's cases were projected to rise till 300,000 by June 30 but now the numbers have been revised to 225,000.

Federal Minister for Planning Asad Umar said on Friday that the coronavirus cases in the country may be limited to 225,000 by the end of June if people continue to take strict precautions.

While addressing the media, along with information minister Shibli Faraz, he said that as per an earlier estimate, 300,000 cases were expected nationwide by June 30.

Umar said that when the number of COVID-19 cases surged, people started following preventive measures. 'There were two weeks when the big hospitals in major cities faced pressure,' he said.

He however cautioned everyone that if the standard operating procedures are not followed then the situation can deteriorate.

The government has increased its facilities with more beds and ventilators, which give us hope for the coming days, said Umar.

The minister said that they took into consideration experts' opinions and implemented a smart lockdown in areas with higher numbers of COVID-19 cases.

Paying tribute to healthcare workers and those on the frontlines fighting the...