ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s planning minister has warned against the next few weeks being “critical” for the country amid a spike in infections and a COVID-19 third wave, reiterating that the need to “exercise caution remains high.”
In a Twitter post late on Sunday night, Asad Umar, who also heads a federal body overseeing Pakistan’s pandemic response, said that COVID-19 cases globally “now exceed 9 lakhs (900,000), more than ever before,” every day, while the daily death toll surged past 15,000 “near the peak of Jan 2021.”
“The need for caution remains high. For Pakistan, the next few weeks are critical,” he added.
In recent weeks, Pakistan has seen an uptick in COVID-19 infections, with most hospitals nearly filled to capacity.
With 5,377 patients on critical care, and to meet the growing demand at hospitals, Pakistan has decided to import 6,000 tons of medical oxygen.
Starting from Monday, authorities will also launch a vaccination drive for all citizens between 40 to 49 years of age.
This is in addition to the government’s recent announcement restricting tourism and intercity transport services to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease ahead of the upcoming Eid-Al-Fitr holidays.
Meanwhile, in its latest directive issued on Saturday, Islamabad’s administration said that all commercial activities at markets, businesses and shops will remain closed from May 8 to May 16, except for essential services, including medical facilities and grocery stores.
