COVID-19: President Alvi urges people to observe SOPs

ISLAMABAD: With the number of Covid-19 cases rising in the country, President Dr Arif Alvi recently urged the nation to strictly adhere to the health protocols for the next few months and continue wearing masks, maintaining social distance and washing hands frequently.

In a video message, President Alvi said the country had contained the virus to a great extent but had not eliminated it completely that was why constant observance of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) was required.

He said, "The country had recorded 6,825 infections on June 14, the highest number of positive cases, which dropped to 185 on Aug 31. The figure has now crossed the 700 mark."

He said that the government had faced the Covid-19 challenge by adopting smart lockdowns while simultaneously ensuring business activity continued to save people from unemployment.

"After a bit of decline, the virus has resurfaced in America, France, Spain, England and other European countries," he added.

Dr Alvi said Pakistan had tackled coronavirus effectively after people started wearing masks in mosques and markets, frequently washing hands and observing social distancing. "In order to avert its resurgence, they are required to keep observing precautions for a few more months to purge the country of the disease," he added.

The president said that by pursuing the 'prudent' vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan, people's livelihood was saved and the poor were assisted through the Ehsaas Programme, a cash distribution project under which over Rs200 billion has so far been distributed among the needy.

He advised people not to ignore precautions and avoid gatherings at wedding halls and hugging to prevent further spread of the virus.

-MN Report