Govt considers resuming lockdown amid SOPs violations.

Byline: Ikram Junaidi

ISLAMABAD -- With the number of coronavirus cases and deaths increasing and people having severely violated standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Covid-19 during the Eid holidays, the government is considering resuming the lockdown across the country.

Moreover, after a study suggesting that hydroxychloroquine can increase mortality among Covid-19 patients, Pakistan has decided to suspend clinical trial of the medicine as a cure of the disease.

On the other hand, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lt Gen Mohammad Afzal on Tuesday claimed that there were ample stocks of ventilators, intensive care unit (ICU) beds and other equipment to combat the deadly virus.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health Dr Zafar Mirza said that the number of Covid-19 cases and deaths was increasing. 'Severe rush is being observed in markets and public places and it feels like the public has been assuming that the virus has been eradicated. The disease is continuously spreading and we are not aware that for how long it would continue. I want to warn that it will convert into a tragedy if we do not behave with responsibility,' he said.

Stops clinical trial of hydroxychloroquine as possible cure of coronavirus

The SAPM said that though the number of cases across the country was less than different estimates, it should not be forgotten that it was continuously increasing. 'We have issued SOPs for businesses, mosques, etc, but it is observed that the masses are not following them. After Eid holidays, we will again analyse the situation and, if required, we will reconsider the relaxation. I appeal to the masses to play their role in stopping the spread of the disease,' he added.

It is worth mentioning that Sindh had imposed the restrictions on March 16, followed by Punjab and other provinces. However, the Centre had initially relaxed the lockdown for some businesses, including the construction industry, and announced further relaxations during Ramazan on traders' demand.

Clinical trial of medicine

The government has decided to suspend the clinical trial of malaria medicine hydroxychloroquine as a possible cure of Covid-19. The decision has been taken on the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

On Tuesday, Dr Mirza tweeted: 'The Executive Group of the Solidarity Trial, representing 10 countries, met on Saturday and has agreed to review by temporarily suspending clinical trial of...