‘Lockdown’ across country extended till April 14

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – In wake of precautionary measures over the coronavirus outbreak, the lockdown across the country has been extended till April 14. This was announced by Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar while addressing a press conference along with Special Assistant on Health Dr Zafar Mirza and Special Assistant on National Security Division and Strategic Policy Planning Moeed Yusuf after the National Coordination Committee (NCC). Asad Umer said that the ‘restrictions’ imposed in the country will continue for two weeks more April 1 to 14. He elaborated that the decision to extend the period of lockdown was taken in a meeting of the NCC. “The NCC meetings will be held regularly before 14 April to review the situation. The industries manufacturing basic necessities — food, medicine, and power etc. — will operate as they are crucial at this time,” the minister said. “These restrictions will bear fruit only if basic necessities are being provided to the people. The federal and provincial governments are on same page in this regard,” he added.

First flight to come via PIA on April 4

“On April 4, the first flight will come in the country via Pakistan International Airline. Passengers will be tested and they will be kept in quarantine facility till the results are received,” the minister informed, referring to the government's aim to resume flight operations. “If they test negative, then we will ask them to self-quarantine and take necessary precautionary measures,” the minister said. “On April 5, we will review this measure of bringing people in from abroad, if it is successful then flights will resume in different airports of the country domestic flights will remain suspended.” “The restrictions imposed have limited the spread of the coronavirus. If they had not been imposed more cases would have emerged,” Asad Umer.