Ease in coronavirus lockdown does not mean pandemic is over: Ajmal Wazir

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's information adviser, Ajmal Wazir, has said that the ease in the province's lockdown does not mean that the fight against coronavirus is over; it is a test for the government as well as for the people.

While addressing the media on Saturday, the provincial minister said that discussions with the traders are underway and the decision on a further easing of the lockdown will depend on the implementation of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS) by the business community and the people in general.

“If shopkeepers are found violating the safety measures, businesses will be closed on the spot,” warned the minister, adding that failure to implement SOPS "would not be tolerated at any cost".

Lauding the services of doctors and paramedic staff, Wazir noted that the contributions of the front-line workers will be remembered for generations to come.

While sharing the daily situational report of coronavirus in the province, the minister said 12 deaths have been reported in the province during the last 24 hours, bringing the province-wide tally to 221.

With 49 new recovered patients, around 1,033 patients have recovered from the virus in the province to date, he added.

Meanwhile, KP Minister for Health Taimur Saleem Jhagra said that the government is easing lockdown to facilitate the public.

Read also: KP shops to remain open four days a week as part of relaxation in coronavirus curbs

Urging the general public and the trader community to follow the safety SOPs outlined by the government, the minister said the government is monitoring the coronavirus statistics during the relaxed lockdown.

“If the virus spreads at a greater ratio, the lockdown will be made strict again,” he said.

Earlier, on Friday, the KP government had announced a further easing of the lockdown in the province to facilitate economic activity.

According to an official notification, the provincial government has allowed all shops to remain open for four days a week.

Apart from shops selling daily need items, other shops will remain closed from Friday to Sunday.

The businesses have been allowed to operate until 4pm.

The KP government said the decision regarding inter-district and other forms of transportation will be taken after consultation with the relevant district unions.

The KP government has said it will follow guidelines issued by the federal government. Wazir has said that schools, industries and other sectors will open in line with the Centre’s policy.