Covid-19 may spread in winter, cautions PM.

ISLAMABAD -- Prime Minister Imran Khan has emphasised the need for using face masks and adherence to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) should be ensured at all costs to avoid further spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

Chairing a meeting of the National Coordination Committee on COVID-19 here on Monday, the prime minister said that from the facts and figures ascertained from different countries, it was established that during the winter season, coronavirus infection could spread and stressed on the provincial governments to take steps in that regard and devise a strategy.

According to a press release issued by PM media wing, Imran Khan observed that they wanted to take timely decisions to control the second wave of coronavirus and save the nation from its further harms.

The meeting was apprised of the coronavirus situation, testing, ratio of its spread in different parts of the country and increasing number of cases at the global level. The meeting was told that at the international level, the number of corona affected patients had surged. Compared with those numbers, the coronavirus spread and its damages remained distinctly low in Pakistan due to the blessings of Allah Almighty, and the government's efforts and effective strategy, it was added.

The meeting was further also informed that as per the last six weeks data, the coronavirus infection was spreading in the country. Smart lockdown was being enforced in different areas of Karachi, Islamabad, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

It was suggested that measures should be taken to limit all unnecessary activities, which were not related to certain basic requirements like economy and education in order to control the second wave of coronavirus.

A suggestion regarding restriction on public gatherings was also presented in the meeting.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday stressed the need for enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation with Australia in diverse fields.

In telephonic conversations with his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison, Imran Khan particularly mentioned the adverse economic impact of COVID-19 on the developing countries, for which he has also called for the Global Initiative on Debt Relief supported by Australia.

Pakistan reports 531 COVID-19 cases in one day

The two leaders discussed cricket, Covid-19, Pakistan's role in Afghan peace process, global debt relief initiative and how both the countries can further enhance mutually beneficial cooperation during...