Smart lockdown responsible for dip in cases, deaths, says PM Imran Khan

A paramedic arranges test tubes with samples to be tested for coronavirus anti-body test in Karachi.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Monday that the smart lockdown policy adopted by his government was proving successful in containing the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Talking to journalists, Prime Minister Khan said his government was under pressure to implement a strict lockdown, but he resisted it to create a balance between opportunities for livelihood and saving people from Covid-19.
"Pakistan is among those few countries where the coronavirus cases are decreasing," he said.
PM Khan asked people to wear masks on Eid Al Adha and during Muharram, cautioning that the Covid-19 cases would start rising again if the guidelines are not followed.
"If precautionary measures are not adopted during Eid Al Adha and Muharram, the country will witness another spike of coronavirus cases...In case of increase in the cases, the government will have to impose lockdown again, which will negatively affect economy of the country," he said.
The prime minister said his government had announced a package for the construction industry and provided financial help to poor people during the pandemic.
PM Khan's remarks came as the country hit another low in virus deaths with 20 in the last 24 hours, the lowest daily increase since mid-June. "This is 87 per cent reduction in Covid-19 related deaths," Dr Zafar Mirza, special assistant to Prime Minister, tweeted on Monday.
The authorities have so far conducted 1,890,236 tests, including 22,056 in the last 24 hours, to detect coronavirus.
According to the ministry, the coronavirus situation in the country is improving with the increase in the number of recoveries and the decrease in new cases.
Of the total 274,289 cases, including the new 1,176 patients, 241,026 have recovered, which constitute 87.87 per cent, it said.
There are currently 27,421 active cases, the ministry said.
However, officials warned that the situation could again deteriorate if the people ignored Covid-19 guidelines during Eid, which will be observed on August 1, followed by Ashura a month later.
Dr Mirza asked people to follow the standard operating procedures.