NCOC identifies 92 hotspots comprising 40% of all active coronavirus cases: Asad Umar.

ISLAMABAD -- Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar on Sunday said that with the use of technology, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has thus far identified 92 coronavirus hotspots in 20 cities, which cover 40% of all active cases.

Speaking to the media, Asad Umar said that a lockdown in these areas would affect only 3% of the country's total population. He said relevant information regarding these areas, which are the worst hit by the pandemic, had been disseminated to the respective provinces.

"A smart lockdown in these hotspots can stop the spread of the pandemic," he said, adding: "Following the SOPs (standard operating procedures) is essential to prevent the spread of coronavirus."

The minister said at least 189 oxygen beds were being provided to medical facilities in Islamabad and that there would be an addition of 2,100 oxygen beds by the...