Govt decides to extend lockdown
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Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired an important meeting of National Coordination Committee (NCC) on Monday and decided to extend the countrywide lockdown after censuses from all stakeholders, 24NewsHd reported.
The formal announcement of lockdown is expected in the next 24 hours. The meeting reviewed the arrangements and preparedness of medical facilities against the deadly COVId-19.
It is pertinent to note that Sindh Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah earlier in the day called for a unified action to fight the coronavirus and asked the federal government to extend the lockdown. He was critical of the lack of coordination among the federal and provincial governments.
Addressing a press conference, he criticised the federal government and termed the mixed signals as very damaging, saying Prime Minister Imran Khan should define a clear strategy and SOPs to tackle the deadly pandemic.
According to the sources, the federal government has agreed to Sindh CM demand of discussing the matters with all stakeholders before announcing a policy regarding coronavirus.
PM Khan also emphasised on the need to implement the same measures for the lockdown in the whole country.
The NCC has also decided to open the construction industry in the first phase to bring some respite to the daily wagers and labourers.
Federal Planning Minister Asad Umar said the future course of action on countrywide lockdown will be announced after the National Coordination Committee’s meeting on April 15 (tomorrow).
He was addressing a news conference along with Prime Minister Special Adviser on Health Dr Zafar Mirza in Islamabad.
“We are trying to make consensus among all provinces and federal government,” the minister said.
He said final lockdown decision will be announced after tomorrow’s (Tuesday) National Command and Control Centre meeting.
Asad Umar also urged the business community act responsible and takes precautions to protect workers from health hazards. He said that the government may come up with a law making it compulsory for businesses to ensure employees health.