NCOC projects 25pc decline in infections by 30th.

ISLAMABAD -- Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar Friday said taking precautionary measures is the only way to contain COVID-19 spread. He warned that otherwise, the situation will deteriorate.

Asad Umar stated this while addressing media persons along with Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz. He said that smart lockdown is being carried out in the areas where spread of COVID-19 is increasing. He said doctors, nurses and paramedical staff is serving the general public in the difficult time. He said the public also have responsibility to strictly follow SOPs regarding coronavirus.

Asad Umar said adherence to the SOPs will lead to smooth functioning of the country's economy and business. He said wearing masks, frequently washing hands and observing social distancing is of vital importance, to stay safe from the coronavirus. He said the number of beds and ventilators are being constantly increased at the hospitals to provide best medical facilities to the patients.

Asad said that the National Command and Control Centre (NCOC) after reviewing recent COVID-19 figures believe that the number of nationwide cases by the end of June will be 225,000 or less. Earlier, the government had predicted that there would be around 300,000 cases by the end of this month.

Umar said that the reduction in the projected figures proves that if we all do the right thing and everyone performs their duty on an individual level while the government does its job on a communal level, a significant success in curbing the spread can be seen.

While giving details the reasons behind the reduction in figures, Umar said most of the people realised their responsibility. Not everyone realised [his responsibility] and as a result, the government had to take some administrative measures. He said the authorities were projecting 225,000 cases instead of 300,000 - which were initially projected. He also explained some measures taken by the NCOC to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. He cautioned that the reduction in projected figures does not mean the danger had passed. 'It's a reminder that if we take the right measures, God will protect us and if we don't, situation can worsen,' he added. He said the government will inform the nation about what the situation would be by the end of July if the current measures stay in place.

The minister acknowledged that pressure on big hospitals in major cities was high for two weeks earlier. The...