NCC meets today to discuss consequences of lockdown, coronavirus situation

The National Coordination Committee (NCC) on the coronavirus epidemic will meet today with Prime Minister Imran Khan in the chair to review the implementation of decisions taken by the National Security Committee.

The participants will take stock of the situation arising from the stricter measures adopted by provincial authorities to limit the virus.

The NCC was formed earlier this month to supervise national efforts against the coronavirus pandemic, which has so far affected over 1,100 people in the country.

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Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Health Services Dr Zafar Mirza and newly-appointed Focal Person on Coronavirus Dr Faisal Sultan will apprise the meeting about the treatment of patients and availability of medical equipment.

All the chief ministers will join the conference via video link.

Officials from the military and National Disaster Management Authority will also attend the meeting.

Speaking to parliamentary leaders on Wednesday, the prime minister had disagreed with extraordinary steps like banning transport and said the authorities must look into the consequences of the decisions for the poor sections of society.

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He said that there would be severe fallout from the lockdown being observed by the provinces as it was affecting daily wagers and workers due to the closure of construction activity.

“The Gilgit-Baltistan area is facing fuel shortage while wheat harvesting is also about to start and diesel and transport will be required,” he had noted.