Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that all the provinces will decide on easing the lockdown after April 14. The restrictions were imposed on people’s movement and industries to arrest the spread of COVID-19.
Addressing the Balochistan Cabinet members and other lawmakers during his one-day visit to Quetta on Thursday, the prime minister said that many countries in the world are now talking about easing the restrictions to help the lowest segments of the society.
Earlier the prime minister was briefed by Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal and Governor Amanullah Khan Yasinzai about the coronavirus impact in the province.
He told the members of the provincial cabinet that Austria and Denmark are talking about relaxing the lockdowns. Imran Khan said that he talked to CM Jam Kamal on the possible effects of lifting the lockdown restrictions in order to benefit the daily wagers and labourers.
He assured the public that federal and provincial governments are in complete coordination over the efforts to fight COVID-19.
The prime minister expressed pleasant surprise no coronavirus patient was put on a ventilator or sent to the intensive care unit (ICU) in Balochistan. He termed providing the protective equipment for hospitals and medics ‘biggest problem’. The PM said the government has provided all PPEs in all intensive care units.
He cautioned public that a surge in COVID-19 cases would eventually put pressure on the hospitals at the end of April.
Imran Khan said the government has been constantly evaluating the situation in day-to-day meetings being held at National Command and Control Centre in Islamabad.
“The government officials and health experts are analyzing all kinds of data within the country and also focusing on the global trend of the COVID-19. The special focus is Bangladesh and India situation because they are large-population nations.”
“Let me tell you, there is a shortage of ventilators globally. Balochistan will come under less pressure because the population in the province is quite scattered and it would be easy to contain the cases in Quetta or elsewhere in the province,” the prime minister said.