People not wearing masks, following SOPs: Dr Faisal

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National HeaPlth Services, Regulations and Coordination Dr Faisal Sultan Monday said people are not adhering to anti-corona SOPs and this is a worrisome situation amid the rise of cases in the ongoing third wave of the corona, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Dr Faisal was addressing a press conference after the NCOC meeting in Islamabad.

SAPM Dr Faisal said anti-coronavirus restrictions are not being followed in markets and public spaces and people are not wearing the masks.

He said coronavirus cases uptick put a lot of pressure on the country's health system.

Dr Faisal Sultan said COVID-19 cases have intensified in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and people are not implementing the anti-corona SOPs.

“If we look at the statistics from April 1st to April 11 then it came to know that the implementation rate of SOPs is merely around 50 and people are not taking seriously to NCOC guidelines and restrictions to contain the virus,” he further added.

He pointed out that in some areas the mask wearing ratio is merely five percent and few restaurants are offering indoor dining also. Dr Faisal said vaccination drives are continuing in the country.  

The NCOC today’s meeting was ahead of the holy month of Ramzan.

This is the second consecutive Ramadan in pandemic restrictions. He said country’s religious figures have cooperated with them in formulating corona goodies and there would be much more cooperation needed in the upcoming blessed month of Ramzan.

Dr Faisal said the performing of nighttime prayers taraweeh at the mosque once again will be allowed amid strict anti-corona SOPs.

Ramzan, Islam’s holiest month, is just around the corner and NCOC meeting chaired by Asad Umar asked people strictly follow pandemic restriction to stem the virus.